Japan Names Kisarazu as Hometown for Nigerians

The Japanese government has officially designated the city of Kisarazu as the “hometown” for Nigerians willing to live and work in Japan, in a forward-looking initiative designed to deepen cultural diplomacy, enhance economic growth, and expand workforce productivity. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), held from August 20 to 22, 2025, in Yokohama, Japan.

Under this new partnership, Japan will introduce a special visa category aimed at attracting highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians. Additionally, artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria willing to upskill will also benefit from this special visa dispensation. The move is expected to create robust avenues for manpower development and two-way exchanges that will contribute to the economic growth of both Japan and Nigeria.

At a formal ceremony organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, together with Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe, received the official certificate naming Kisarazu as the Nigerian hometown. This initiative places Kisarazu alongside other Japanese cities designated as hometowns for African countries: Nagai for Tanzania, Sanjo for Ghana, and Imabari for Mozambique.

Kisarazu’s selection reflects its historical bond with Nigeria, having served as the official host town for the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where Nigerian athletes held their pre-games training and acclimatization.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, speaking at TICAD9, emphasized Japan’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding and collaborative development with African nations. He highlighted Japan’s focus on private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration. Prime Minister Ishiba also acknowledged Japan’s demographic challenges, including its aging population, stressing that co-created, locally rooted solutions are vital for sustainable development in Africa and beneficial for Japan’s own socio-economic revitalization.

This partnership is expected to not only boost immigration pathways but also support Japan’s regional revitalization efforts by increasing the population and diversity of its municipalities, with Kisarazu as a key hub for Nigerian nationals.

This landmark designation signals a new chapter in Japan-Nigeria relations, underscoring a commitment to strengthening cultural ties, economic cooperation, and workforce exchange between the two countries.