Japan Designates Kisarazu as Official Hometown for Nigerians

The government of Japan has officially designated the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians who wish to live and work in the country.

The move, announced Thursday, is part of Japan’s strategy to deepen cultural diplomacy, boost economic growth, and enhance workforce productivity.

According to a statement released Friday by the Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, and reported by PUNCH, the announcement was made on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9).

The new partnership includes a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to relocate to Kisarazu for work opportunities.

“Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan,” the statement added.

In addition to Nigeria, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also named other African hometowns:

• Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture– hometown of Tanzania
• Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture– hometown of Ghana
• Imabari in Ehime Prefecture– hometown of Mozambique

The arrangement aims to strengthen ties by connecting municipalities with established relationships with these African nations.

During the ceremony, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Adeseke, alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, Mayor of Kisarazu, received the certificate officially naming the city the hometown of Nigerians.

Local Japanese authorities believe the designation will help boost city populations while supporting regional revitalisation efforts.

Kisarazu has a long-standing connection with Nigeria, having hosted the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the team conducted pre-games training and acclimatisation before moving to the Olympic village.

At the TICAD9 Summit, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged $5.5 billion in new investments across Africa, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and collaboration.

“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, we focus on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, Youth and Women, and Regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa,” Ishiba said.

He further noted that Japan’s ageing population presents challenges but highlighted that Africa’s youth-driven economy provides opportunities for mutual benefit.

The development is expected to strengthen Nigeria-Japan bilateral relations and create new pathways for manpower development, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation.