Japan officials use social media to combat misinformation

Japanese Foreign Ministry officials have begun using their personal social media accounts to combat online misinformation regarding international cooperation programs. This shift in strategy follows the cancellation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s “hometown” project last year, which was abandoned after false claims that it would trigger a surge in immigration into Japan led to widespread local protests.

Misako Takahashi, director-general of the African Affairs Department, has utilized the platform X to clarify details regarding the Japan-Africa Youth Program. The program, which facilitates exchange visits between Japanese and African high school students, has a budget of approximately ¥1 billion. Officials are working to dispel viral claims that the program costs ¥10 million per student, noting that the budget covers more than just visits to Japan.

In addition to X, the ministry’s International Cooperation Bureau has launched an account on the platform “note.” to discuss the importance of official development assistance. Officials noted that using individual accounts allows for more efficient communication and avoids the delays often experienced with official institutional accounts during holidays.