The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japanese Foreign Ministry are considering renaming JICA's "hometown" project, which is aimed at promoting people-to-people exchanges between African countries and partner Japanese cities, sources said Saturday.

The renaming plan is being considered after false information about the project spread on social media, claiming it would lead to an increase in the number of immigrants.

JICA and the ministry plan to consult with the four cities concerned and accelerate efforts to defuse the situation.