日本有四座城市被聯合國教科文組織（UNESCO）認定為「非洲故鄉」（Home to Africa）的交流據點。這項認定本意是推動文化交流與教育合作，象徵非洲與日本之間的歷史連結，並沒有涉及移民或人口遷徙的層面。然而，消息傳出後，卻在日本的網路上被誤解與扭曲，有謠言指稱這些城市將對非洲人開放移民定居，甚至會提供特別簽證，導致大批移民潮。

隨著謠言快速擴散，當地政府部門陷入困境。這四座城市每天都接到大量抗議電話與電子郵件，居民擔心若真的引入移民，將會對當地的就業、治安與生活環境造成衝擊。一些網民甚至以憤怒的語氣表達對「移民政策」的不滿，儘管這完全是一場虛驚。

面對激烈的反應，日本政府與相關自治體不得不出面澄清。他們明確指出，「非洲故鄉」僅僅是一個文化與教育交流的象徵性認定，不存在任何移民政策的內容，更不會接收移民，也沒有設置所謂的「特別簽證」。然而，即便有官方說明，社會輿論仍顯示出高度的不安。這次的風波折射出日本社會對「移民」二字的敏感性。由於長期面臨少子化與勞動力不足的問題，日本雖然逐步引入外籍勞工制度，但官方始終避免使用「移民」這個字眼，以免引發民眾的反彈。日本社會在文化上仍普遍保守，對外來人口抱持疑慮與戒心，這也是為何「移民恐慌」能在毫無事實根據的情況下迅速發酵的原因。

整起事件看似荒謬，卻揭示日本社會深層的不安與矛盾。一方面，國家迫切需要外來勞動力來維持經濟與社會運作；另一方面，大眾對「移民」的排斥與恐懼仍根深蒂固，這使得任何與外國人口相關的訊息都可能成為社會緊張的導火索。

The incident began when four Japanese cities were recognized by UNESCO as “Homes to Africa,” designated as hubs for cultural exchange and educational cooperation. The intention behind this recognition was purely symbolic, meant to highlight historical ties between Africa and Japan, and had nothing to do with immigration or population movement. However, once the news spread, it was distorted online in Japan, with rumors claiming that these cities would soon allow Africans to immigrate and settle there, even offering special visas, triggering fears of a mass influx of immigrants.

As the misinformation circulated rapidly, local governments in the four cities found themselves overwhelmed. They began receiving a flood of protest calls and emails every day. Many residents worried that if immigration were truly allowed, it would harm local employment, public safety, and the overall living environment. Some internet users even expressed outrage at what they believed to be a government “immigration policy,” despite the fact that it was nothing but a misunderstanding.

In response to the escalating backlash, the Japanese government and the municipalities involved were forced to issue clarifications. They stated explicitly that the “Home to Africa” designation was strictly a symbolic recognition for cultural and educational exchange. It had nothing to do with immigration, no special visas would be issued, and no immigrants would be accepted under this program. Yet, despite these reassurances, public anxiety remained high.

This episode revealed the deep sensitivity surrounding the word “immigration” in Japanese society. While Japan faces serious challenges from population decline and labor shortages, and has gradually introduced systems to accept foreign workers, the government has deliberately avoided using the word “immigration” to prevent public backlash. Japanese society, still largely conservative in cultural outlook, remains wary and distrustful of foreign populations, which explains why an unfounded rumor could so easily spark widespread panic.

Though the situation may seem absurd, it exposes the underlying anxieties and contradictions within Japan. On one hand, the country urgently needs outside labor to sustain its economy and social systems. On the other, widespread fear and resistance toward “immigration” remain deeply rooted. This tension ensures that any information involving foreign populations can quickly ignite public unease and social tension.