Japan has officially designated Kisarazu City as a “hometown” for Nigerians who wish to live and work in the country, as part of efforts to enhance both cultural and economic relations.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), aligning with Japan’s broader strategy to increase collaboration with African countries.
As part of the initiative, a new visa category will be introduced for highly skilled young Nigerians, as well as artisans and blue-collar professionals interested in upgrading their skills and settling in Kisarazu.
During a ceremony held in Tokyo, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also named three other Japanese cities as African “hometowns”: Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.
Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, joined Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe in accepting the official certificate confirming the designation.
The programme seeks to establish mutual manpower exchange initiatives aimed at stimulating economic development in Japan, Nigeria, and the other participating African nations, while also supporting Japanese cities in addressing population decline and revitalization challenges.
Kisarazu previously served as the training base for Nigeria’s team ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
During his speech at TICAD9, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced $5.5 billion in new investments in Africa, highlighting the importance of “private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration. He also encouraged African nations to partner with Japan as it addresses an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land.