Japan names Kisarazu as Official Hometown for Nigerians in new cultural, economic partnership

The government of Japan has designated the city of Kisarazu as the official hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in the country, in a move aimed at strengthening cultural diplomacy, driving economic growth, and boosting workforce productivity.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, following the announcement made on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9).

Under the arrangement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians seeking to relocate to Kisarazu.

The dispensation will also extend to artisans and other blue-collar workers ready to upgrade their skills for opportunities in Japan.

As part of the broader initiative, the Japan International Cooperation Agency also named 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.

According to the statement, the initiative will deepen ties between Japan and the four African nations, laying a foundation for two-way exchanges that will enhance manpower development and contribute to economic growth.

Local authorities expressed optimism that the designations would help revitalise their regions by attracting new populations.

Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Adeseke, alongside the Mayor of Kisarazu, Yoshikuni Watanabe, received the certificate officially naming Kisarazu the hometown of Nigerians.

The city previously hosted Nigeria’s contingent for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, serving as the venue for pre-games training and acclimatisation.

Delivering his opening address at TICAD9, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced $5.5 billion in new investment for Africa, stressing the need for mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative development.

He highlighted Japan’s focus on private sector-driven growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.

While acknowledging Japan’s ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, Prime Minister Ishiba called on African countries to partner with Japan in building sustainable solutions.

“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 the TICAD9, we focus on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women, and regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa,” he said.