Anti-immigration protests have in Japan after an attempt to create "hometowns" for people from four African countries. 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 ties with the countries through events and overseas volunteers.

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's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, spoke out against claims of special visas for migrants, confirming them as baseless.

He clarified: "There are no plans to promote accepting immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries, and the series of reports and announcements concerning such measures are not true."

Mr Hayashi added that, while people from Africa will be coming over as volunteers, they will return to their home countries after completing their training.

JICA added: "Certain local newspapers and the African government have published reports that may give the false impression that, under the 'JICA Africa Hometown' program, Nagai City in Yamagata Prefecture would become part of the country of Tanzania, or reports suggesting the promotion of immigration acceptance or the issuance of special visas for travel between Japan and the respective countries, which are all factually incorrect."