The Government of Japan has officially designated Kisarazu City in Chiba Prefecture as the hometown for Nigerians who wish to live and work in the country, as part of a new initiative to boost cultural diplomacy, enhance workforce productivity, and foster economic growth.
This was announced on Thursday during the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) and confirmed in a statement issued Friday by the Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
Under the arrangement, Japan will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians seeking opportunities in Kisarazu. Artisans and blue-collar workers willing to upskill will also benefit from the scheme.
In addition, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced similar designations for other African nations: Nagai (Yamagata Prefecture) for Tanzania, Sanjo (Niigata Prefecture) for Ghana, and Imabari (Ehime Prefecture) for Mozambique. These partnerships are aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties by linking Japanese municipalities with African countries.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Adeseke, alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, Mayor of Kisarazu, jointly received the certificate officially naming Kisarazu as Nigeria’s hometown in Japan.
According to the statement, the initiative is expected to deepen manpower exchanges that will drive economic growth in both Japan and the partner African countries. Local Japanese authorities also hope the designations will support regional revitalisation by attracting new residents.
Notably, Kisarazu previously served as the official host city for Nigeria’s contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes trained and acclimatised before moving into the Olympic Village.
Speaking at TICAD9, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba unveiled a $5.5 billion investment package for Africa, highlighting Japan’s commitment to private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.
He acknowledged Japan’s demographic challenges, including an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, while stressing the importance of mutual understanding and co-creation with African nations.
“Japan is providing cooperation and support for Africa, but first, Japan needs to know more about Africa. We are focusing on solutions together in three critical areas: private sector-led growth, youth and women, and regional integration,” Ishiba said.
He also appealed for African support as Japan tackles the long-term implications of its declining population.
