By Gloria Nosa
The Government of Japan has officially designated Kisarazu City in Chiba Prefecture as the hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in the country, in a move aimed at strengthening cultural diplomacy, boosting economic growth, and enhancing workforce productivity.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the ongoing Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama.
Under the new arrangement, Japan will introduce a special visa category to accommodate highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians, while also creating opportunities for artisans and blue-collar workers who are willing to upskill and contribute to Japan’s workforce.
At the ceremony, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also designated Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture as the official hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture as the hometown of Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture as the hometown of Mozambique.
Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, received the certificate of designation alongside Mr. Yoshikuni Watanabe, Mayor of Kisarazu, in a symbolic exchange marking a new chapter in Japan-Nigeria relations.
According to Japanese authorities, the initiative is designed to foster people-to-people exchanges, deepen cooperation, and create shared solutions to pressing socio-economic challenges. Local leaders in the designated cities also expressed optimism that the move would attract young populations, drive regional revitalisation, and strengthen cultural integration.
Kisarazu’s selection as Nigeria’s official hometown is not unexpected, given its historical ties with the country. The city hosted Team Nigeria during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, when athletes conducted their pre-Games training camp and acclimatisation exercises there before moving into the Olympic Village.
In his opening address at TICAD9, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a $5.5 billion investment package for Africa, highlighting Japan’s commitment to sustainable partnerships with the continent.
The Prime Minister outlined three priority areas of cooperation with Africa:
-
Private sector-led sustainable growth,
-
Youth and women empowerment, and
-
Regional integration.
He further acknowledged Japan’s demographic challenges, including an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, stressing the need for greater collaboration with African countries.
“Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa. In creating solutions together, we must embrace co-creation through private sector growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration,” Prime Minister Ishiba said.
The designation of Kisarazu as the official hometown for Nigerians is expected to open a new chapter of bilateral cooperation, creating pathways for migration, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration between the two nations.
