Japan has designated the city of Kisarazu as the official hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in the country, in a move designed to deepen cultural diplomacy and address critical workforce needs.

 

The announcement was made on Thursday on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday.

 

Under the arrangement, Japan will introduce a special visa category tailored for highly skilled Nigerians, talented youth, artisans, and blue-collar workers willing to upskill.

 

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also designated three other Japanese cities as 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 would strengthen manpower development, foster bilateral exchanges, and support regional revitalisation by boosting local populations.

 

Kisarazu holds historic ties with Nigeria, having hosted the country’s Olympic team during the 2020 Tokyo Games in its pre-tournament training camps.

 

Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, speaking at TICAD9, announced $5.5 billion in new investments for Africa. He stressed Japan’s commitment to private sector-led growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration, while also appealing for African cooperation as Japan tackles the challenges of an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land.