Japan names Kisarazu city as hometown for Nigerians

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In a landmark move to deepen cultural ties and boost economic cooperation, the Japanese government has designated Kisarazu City as the official hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in Japan.

The announcement was made on Thursday on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD 9). The initiative is part of Japan’s strategy to strengthen cultural diplomacy, address workforce needs, and support regional revitalisation.

Under the new arrangement, Japan will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative Nigerians, alongside artisans and blue-collar workers who are ready to upskill.

At a ceremony, Japan International Cooperation Agency also designated Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture as the hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.

Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe, received the certificate formalising the city’s new status.

The move is expected to boost people-to-people exchanges while providing manpower support for Japan and development opportunities for Nigeria.

Kisarazu previously hosted Nigeria’s contingent during the COVID-19–delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, serving as the team’s training and acclimatisation base before the Games.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his TICAD 9 opening speech, announced $5.5 billion in new investment in Africa, stressing the importance of mutual understanding, private sector-led growth, and local solutions.

He appealed to African nations to support Japan as it grapples with an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land.

Local authorities in Kisarazu expressed optimism that the designation would help attract young migrants, boost the local economy, and revitalise the region.