Japan has designated the city of Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture as the official hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in the country, in a move aimed at deepening cultural diplomacy and strengthening economic ties.
The announcement was made Thursday on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9). As part of the partnership, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians seeking opportunities in Kisarazu. Artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are open to upskilling will also benefit from the initiative.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) similarly named other Japanese cities as hometowns for three African countries: Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, alongside Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe, received the certificate officially designating Kisarazu as Nigeria’s hometown in Japan. Local authorities expect the move to boost population growth and support regional revitalisation efforts.
Kisarazu already shares historic ties with Nigeria, having hosted the country’s contingent during the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes conducted pre-games training camps.
At the opening of TICAD9, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced $5.5 billion in new investments in Africa, underscoring Japan’s focus on private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.
He highlighted Japan’s ageing population as a pressing challenge, calling for stronger partnerships with African nations.
“Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa. So, in creating solutions together, this co-creation at TICAD9 focuses on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women, and regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa,” Ishiba said.
He also appealed for African support as Japan confronts a shrinking workforce and declining agricultural land.