The Government of Japan has designated the city of Kisarazu as the official hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in the country.
The move, announced on Thursday during the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), is part of Japan’s broader strategy to deepen cultural diplomacy, stimulate economic growth, and enhance workforce productivity.
Under the new arrangement, Japan will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative young Nigerians who wish to relocate to Kisarazu. The initiative also extends to artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria, who will benefit from skill-upgrading opportunities before joining Japan’s workforce.
At the ceremony, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also designated Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture as the hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture as the hometown of Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture as the hometown of Mozambique.
Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu, received the official certificate confirming the city’s status.
Local authorities expressed hope that the initiative will boost city populations while contributing to regional revitalisation. Notably, Kisarazu had previously hosted Nigeria’s contingent for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where the team held pre-Games training and acclimatisation camps.
Speaking at TICAD9, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Africa, pledging $5.5 billion in new investments. He highlighted the importance of private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration, while also acknowledging Japan’s own demographic challenges.
“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 focuses on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women, and regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa,” Ishiba said.
The Prime Minister also appealed to African countries to support Japan as it grapples with an ageing population and shrinking agricultural CONTINUE READING..
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
