The Japanese government has officially chosen Kisarazu City as the “hometown” for Nigerians who want to live and work in the country. The move is part of a plan to strengthen cultural ties, improve economic growth, and support workforce development, according to a statement from the Nigerian State House.
Under the new partnership, Japan will introduce a special visa category for young Nigerians who are highly skilled, creative, and innovative. Nigerian artisans and blue-collar workers willing to upgrade their skills will also qualify for the visa, giving them a chance to work in Japan.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency also named three other “hometowns” for African countries: Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique. Officials said the goal is to deepen exchanges between the countries and create new opportunities for people and businesses.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and the Mayor of Kisarazu, Yoshikuni Watanabe, received the official certificate confirming Kisarazu’s new role. Local leaders in Japan hope the arrangement will bring more people to their cities and boost regional growth. Kisarazu already has a connection with Nigeria, having hosted the Nigerian Olympic team during the 2020 Tokyo Games.
The announcement came at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), where Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also pledged $5.5 billion in new investment for Africa. He said Japan’s focus is on private sector growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration. Ishiba also urged African countries to partner with Japan as it faces challenges from an ageing population and shrinking farmland.