Japan Names Kisarazu City As Official Hometown For Nigerians To Live And Work

Japan has officially designated Kisarazu City as the “hometown” for Nigerians wishing to live and work in the country, part of a broader effort to boost cultural diplomacy and address labor needs.

The announcement was made on Thursday during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), with Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House, confirming the development on Friday.

Under the initiative, Japan will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled young Nigerians, as well as artisans and blue-collar workers willing to upskill.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also named three other cities as official hometowns for African nations: 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, and Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe received the official certificate from the Japanese government confirming the designation.

Officials said the initiative aims to foster manpower development, enhance bilateral exchanges, and support regional revitalization by boosting local populations. Kisarazu previously hosted Nigeria’s Olympic contingent for pre-games training ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

At TICAD9, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced $5.5 billion in new investments for Africa and emphasized Japan’s focus on private sector-led growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration. He also appealed for African cooperation as Japan faces challenges from an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land.