Another country is being rocked by anti migrant protests.
Demonstrations have erupted in the major cities of Tokyo and Osaka after “hometowns” for four African countries were set up in Japanese cities
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had designated four cities as “Africa hometowns” for the partner countries of Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania. Imabari, Kisarazu, Sanjo, and Nagai will foster links with the countries through events and overseas volunteers.
The express reports: The programme aims to revitalise communities in Japan that are facing economic and demographic issues, while also addressing challenges in the African countries. JICA said in a statement: “The ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ aims to further strengthen the relationships that each municipality has built with African countries, contributing both to addressing challenges in Africa and revitalising local communities in Japan.
“Through support for collaborative events for example, JICA will continue to facilitate and strengthen international exchanges for each city.”
The move sparked anti-immigration protests in Osaka and Tokyo, and the four cities received thousands of complaints from residents.
Officials in Sanjo were hit with 350 phone calls and 3,500 emails in a three-day period last week, while Imabari received 460 calls and 1,400 emails questioning whether there was a new immigration policy.
In Tokyo, angry crowds gathered outside the JICA headquarters to protest what they thought was the weakening of immigration policies.
People were seen holding placards saying “protect the Japanese people” and heard calling for an “end to mass migration”.
Japan has also agreed that it will take 50,000 “skilled and semi-skilled personnel” from India over the next 5 years