Japan’s Prime Minister Resigns amid Backlash Over Plans to Import African Migrants
by David Hawkins
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has resigned from his role following a widespread backlash against the government’s plans to begin importing migrants from Africa.
Ishiba made the announcement Sunday, revealing that he’s stepping down due to internal party pressure and public uproar over his government’s controversial “African Hometown” program.
The decision comes as his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faces falling poll numbers.
The LDP has come under rising criticism from both political opponents and the Japanese public.
Ishiba took office in October and has faced calls to resign for more than a month.
He argued that stepping down would create a political vacuum during a time when Japan is grappling with significant domestic and international challenges.
However, with the LDP scheduled to meet on Monday to decide whether to hold an early leadership election, Ishiba’s announcement preempted what was widely viewed as a looming no-confidence vote.
The resignation follows mounting controversy surrounding the African Hometown program, which was promoted under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The initiative was designated for four Japanese cities: Kisarazu, Sanjo, Nagai, and Imabari.
The cities were set to partner with Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania.
The program quickly sparked outrage after the Nigerian government revealed the true agenda behind the plans.
It emerged that the plan would import workers from Africa under a “special visa.”