In a landmark move to deepen cultural diplomacy and address workforce demands, Japan has designated Kisarazu City as the official hometown for Nigerians living and working in the country.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) and was confirmed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House.
Under the arrangement, Japan will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled Nigerians, as well as artisans and blue-collar workers willing to upskill.
According to the statement, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also designated three other Japanese cities as official hometowns for African countries:
- Nagai (Yamagata Prefecture) for Tanzania
- Sanjo (Niigata Prefecture) for Ghana
- Imabari (Ehime Prefecture) for Mozambique
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, alongside Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe, received the official certificate from the Japanese government confirming the designation.
Officials explained that the initiative will enhance manpower development, foster bilateral exchanges, and support regional revitalisation efforts by boosting local populations.
Kisarazu, notably, hosted Nigeria’s contingent during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where athletes held their pre-games training camp.
At TICAD9, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also unveiled a $5.5 billion investment package for Africa, stressing the country’s commitment to private sector-led growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration. He further urged African nations to collaborate as Japan navigates the challenges of an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land.
