Japan Selects Kisarazu as Official Host City for Nigerians Seeking Work and Residency

Japan Names Kisarazu as Official Hometown for Nigerians Under New Skilled Workforce and Cultural Exchange Program

In a significant move to strengthen Japan-Africa relations, the Government of Japan has officially designated the city of Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture as the hometown for Nigerians interested in living and working in Japan. This strategic initiative aims to deepen cultural diplomacy, foster economic collaboration, and address Japan’s ongoing demographic challenges through targeted immigration reforms.

The announcement was made public via a statement issued on Friday by Abiodun Oladunjoye, the Director of Information at Nigeria’s State House. The development is part of Japan’s broader commitment to boosting ties with African nations, announced on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

New Visa Category for Skilled Nigerians

As part of the new arrangement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa scheme aimed at attracting highly skilled, innovative, and talented Nigerian professionals to live and work in Kisarazu. The program is designed to include not only professionals in high-tech and knowledge-driven sectors but also artisans and blue-collar workers willing to enhance their skills through formal training.

This unique visa program aligns with Japan’s objective to revitalize its aging population by opening pathways for foreign workers, particularly from countries with growing, youthful populations like Nigeria. By doing so, Japan also seeks to strengthen manpower development, benefiting both economies through two-way human resource exchange.

Japan Pairs Cities with African Countries for Deeper Engagement

In addition to Kisarazu’s partnership with Nigeria, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced that several other Japanese cities will be linked with African nations to promote bilateral cooperation:

• Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture was named the hometown for Tanzania
• Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana
• Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique

These hometown designations are intended to serve as hubs for ongoing cultural exchange, workforce integration, and regional economic revitalization. Local Japanese officials hope this initiative will increase the population and stimulate local economies through international cooperation.

Ceremonial Recognition and Diplomatic Support

During the formal naming ceremony, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Adeseke, along with Kisarazu’s Mayor, Yoshikuni Watanabe, received the official certificate naming Kisarazu as the designated hometown for Nigerian expatriates.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of the partnership and the shared goal of building a sustainable future through collaborative development and people-to-people connections.

Kisarazu’s Historical Ties With Nigeria

This diplomatic relationship builds upon an already existing connection. Kisarazu previously hosted the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes held their pre-game training camps. The bond formed during that time laid the foundation for ongoing engagement between the city and Nigeria.

Japan’s Vision for Africa: Prime Minister’s Commitment at TICAD9

At the opening of TICAD9, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba unveiled a $5.5 billion investment package for Africa, underscoring Japan’s commitment to the continent’s sustainable growth. In his keynote address, he stressed the importance of mutual understanding, local partnerships, and co-created solutions in driving Africa’s development.

Highlighting the shared challenges both regions face—including an aging population in Japan and youth unemployment in parts of Africa—Prime Minister Ishiba urged African nations to join hands with Japan in developing localized strategies for mutual benefit.

“Japan is offering various forms of cooperation and support to Africa,” Ishiba said. “But more importantly, we must learn more about each other. TICAD9 is not just about aid—it’s about co-creation in three vital areas: private sector-led growth, empowering youth and women, and enhancing regional integration.”

He also acknowledged Japan’s demographic issues, including declining birth rates and reduced agricultural land, and appealed to African leaders to consider their role in helping Japan counter these long-term socioeconomic challenges.