In a bold diplomatic move, the Japanese government officially named the city of Kisarazu as the “hometown” for Nigerians on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Announced during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) held from August 20–22 in Yokohama, this declaration serves as a conduit for enhanced cultural diplomacy, economic collaboration, and workforce development between Japan and Nigeria, among other African nations .
Under the newly introduced program, Japan will issue a special visa category tailored to highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians eager to live and work in Kisarazu. Additionally, the initiative will extend opportunities to blue-collar workers and artisans willing to upskill, reinforcing Japan’s effort to broaden the scope of inclusive collaboration .
This initiative forms part of a broader strategy linking Japanese municipalities with African countries. Alongside Kisarazu for Nigeria, the government also designated Nagai (Yamagata Prefecture) as the hometown for Tanzania, Sanjo (Niigata Prefecture) for Ghana, and Imabari (Ehime Prefecture) for Mozambique. The program aims to foster strong people-to-people connections, bolster regional revitalization, and facilitate sustainable manpower exchanges .
The symbolic handover of credentials took place during a ceremony at TICAD 9, where Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador and Charge d’Affaires to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, joined the city’s mayor, Yoshikuni Watanabe of Kisarazu, in receiving the official certificate from Japanese authorities .
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his conference address, underlined Japan’s commitment to co-creation and private-sector-led development in Africa, spotlighting youth and women empowerment, regional integration, and sustainable growth. He also referenced Japan’s challenges with an aging and shrinking population, urging African nations to partner closely with Japan in crafting local and mutually beneficial solutions.
