Japan Designates Kisarazu As Hometown For Nigerians With New Visa Scheme.
The Japanese government has named Kisarazu City as the official hometown for Nigerians wishing to live and work in Japan, introducing a special visa programme to facilitate this move. Announced on Thursday, 21 August 2025, during the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), the initiative aims to deepen cultural diplomacy, boost economic growth, and address workforce needs, according to a statement by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at Nigeria’s State House.
Under the new partnership, Japan will offer a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians seeking to relocate to Kisarazu. Artisans and blue-collar workers willing to upskill will also benefit from this visa scheme, enabling them to contribute to Japan’s industrial and service sectors. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also designated three other Japanese cities as hometowns for African nations: Nagai for Tanzania, Sanjo for Ghana, and Imabari for Mozambique, fostering two-way exchanges for manpower development.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and Kisarazu’s Mayor, Yoshikuni Watanabe, received a certificate formalising Kisarazu’s designation as Nigeria’s hometown during a ceremony. Local authorities hope this move will boost Kisarazu’s population, aiding regional revitalisation efforts. The city previously hosted Nigeria’s contingent for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes conducted pre-games training and acclimatisation.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, speaking at TICAD9, announced $5.5 billion in new investments for Africa, emphasising mutual understanding and collaborative solutions. He highlighted Japan’s ageing population and the need for African talent to support economic growth, with a focus on youth empowerment and regional integration.
The initiative has sparked enthusiasm in Nigeria, with many viewing it as a significant opportunity for skilled professionals and artisans to showcase their talents globally. Social media posts on X reflect positive sentiment, describing the move as a win for Nigeria’s workforce and a boost for cultural ties.