The Japanese government has officially designated the city of Kisarazu as the “hometown” for Nigerians wishing to live and work in Japan, as part of broader efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy, boost economic growth, and enhance workforce productivity.

The announcement was made on Friday in a statement by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House. It follows discussions held on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9).

Under the new arrangement, Japan will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to relocate to Kisarazu to live and work. “Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan,” the statement noted.

The initiative also extends to other African countries, with Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture named the hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique. “Through the arrangement, Japan looks to strengthen exchanges with the four African countries by officially connecting municipalities with existing relations with those nations,” the statement added.

Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Adeseke, alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, Mayor of Kisarazu, received the certificate formally naming Kisarazu the hometown of Nigerians. The four designated cities are expected to create opportunities for two-way manpower exchanges that will contribute to the economic growth of Japan, Nigeria, and the other African nations involved.

Local authorities hope the designations will also boost city populations and support regional revitalization efforts. Kisarazu previously hosted the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, providing pre-games training and acclimatization before the team moved to the Olympic village in the COVID-19-delayed Games.

During TICAD9, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced $5.5 billion in new investments for Africa and highlighted the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative efforts for the continent’s development. “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 TICAD 9, 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.

Prime Minister Ishiba also appealed to African nations to support Japan as it faces challenges from an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, stressing the need for locally rooted solutions.