Japan’s foreign aid agency has scrapped a cultural exchange initiative with African countries after an online misinformation campaign led to a torrent of complaints and fear of increased immigration.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced on Thursday that it will cancel the Africa Hometown scheme, after an episode that experts say illustrates the potential impact of fake news and populist narratives to shape migration policy.

Despite enforcing some of the world’s strictest immigration rules, Japan has seen growing hostility towards foreigners, even as its shrinking workforce raises concerns about future economic sustainability.

The Africa Hometown scheme paired four regional Japanese cities with communities in four African nations. It was designed to promote trainin

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