Japan has formally named the city of Kisarazu as the designated hometown for Nigerians wishing to reside and work in the East Asian nation, opening the door to new cultural and economic opportunities.

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The announcement was made on Thursday, August 21, 2025, during the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). According to the Nigerian State House, the move forms part of Japan’s broader strategy to expand cultural diplomacy, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and boost workforce productivity.

In a statement issued on Friday by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House, Japan confirmed that the initiative will come with a special visa program for skilled and talented Nigerians interested in relocating to Kisarazu.
Visa Opportunities for Skilled Nigerians

Under the new arrangement, the Japanese government will create a visa category specifically for young, innovative, and highly skilled Nigerians who want to live and work in Kisarazu. The program will also extend to artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are willing to undergo professional training and upskilling in Japan.

“This initiative will allow Nigerian artisans and workers seeking growth opportunities to benefit from a special dispensation visa, enabling them to contribute to Japan’s economy while acquiring advanced skills,” the statement highlighted.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also revealed that similar hometown designations were granted to other African countries. Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture was named the hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture became the hometown of Ghana, while Imabari in Ehime Prefecture was designated as the hometown of Mozambique.

By assigning these symbolic hometowns, Japan aims to promote manpower exchanges, strengthen ties with African countries, and reinforce mutual development.
Kisarazu’s Historical Connection With Nigeria

Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, received the certificate of designation on behalf of the Nigerian government from Yoshikuni Watanabe, Mayor of Kisarazu.

Officials noted that these partnerships are designed to serve as a platform for mutual development and cooperation, adding value to economic growth in both Japan and Africa. Local authorities also hope the initiative will encourage population growth in their municipalities and support regional revitalisation.

Kisarazu has previously hosted Nigerian athletes during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where Team Nigeria held its pre-games training camp and acclimatisation sessions before the COVID-19-delayed competition. This long-standing bond, Japanese officials said, influenced the city’s designation as Nigeria’s hometown.
Japan’s Broader Commitment to Africa

During his keynote address at TICAD9, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a fresh $5.5 billion investment pledge to Africa, stressing Japan’s focus on private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.

Ishiba underscored the importance of building localised solutions that address Africa’s needs, while also acknowledging Japan’s domestic challenges, including an ageing population and shrinking agricultural workforce.

“Japan is committed to building solutions in collaboration with Africa. Through this co-creation platform at TICAD9, we are focusing on sustainable growth, empowerment, and regional integration. We hope that African countries will, in turn, support Japan as we tackle demographic and economic challenges at home,” Ishiba said.

With this new visa initiative and hometown designation, Japan is positioning itself as both a strategic partner and a destination for African talent, marking a new chapter in Japan-Nigeria relations.

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