The government of Japan has named the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in the country as part of its strategic efforts to deepen cultural diplomacy, promote economic growth and enhance workforce productivity.
Under this new partnership, announced on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development, the Japanese government will create a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move 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.
Japan International Cooperation Agency, in a ceremony, also named the cities of Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture the hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture the hometown of Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture the hometown of Mozambique.
Through the arrangement, Japan looks to strengthen exchanges with the four African countries by officially connecting municipalities with existing relations with those nations.
Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, also the Acting Ambassador to Japan, and Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu, received the certificate from the Japanese government naming Kisarazu the hometown of Nigerians.
The four cities will foster a foundation for two-way exchanges for manpower development that will add value to the economic growth of Japan, Nigeria, and the other three African nations.
Local authorities hope that the designations will increase the population of their cities, contributing to their regional revitalisation efforts.
Kisarazu was the official host town of the Nigerian contingent for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The team conducted their pre-games training camps and acclimatisation in the city before moving to the Olympic village, in the COVID-19 delayed Olympic Games.
In his opening address at the TICAD9, where he announced $5.5 billion in New investment in Africa, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasised the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative efforts for Africa’s development. The Prime Minister outlined Japan’s focus on private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.
Prime Minister Ishiba acknowledged the challenges of Japan’s ageing population but emphasised that locally rooted solutions are essential for Africa’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 appealed to African countries to assist Japan as it grapples with the challenges of a declining population and shrinking agricultural land.
Special Visa Program for African Talent
Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, confirmed for the Nigerian side that the partnership will include a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians wishing to live and work in Kisarazu. Artisans and other blue-collar workers willing to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa.
Similar arrangements are anticipated for Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique, providing structured pathways for professional development while supplying Japan with needed workforce talent.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba acknowledged these challenges but emphasised that locally rooted solutions are essential for Africa’s development.
He said, “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 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 also appealed to African countries to assist Japan as it grapples with the challenges of a declining population and shrinking agricultural land.
City Selection and Strategic Purpose
While the concept of “sister cities” has been declining globally, Japan is reviving it by designating four municipalities to strengthen bilateral relations with selected African nations.
Each city has strategic or historical links to its assigned country: Kisarazu hosted the Nigerian contingent for the COVID-19-delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, while Nagai, Sanjo, and Imabari were paired with Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique to promote cultural and economic ties.
Although Japan has not explained why only these four African countries were chosen, local authorities anticipate that the hometown designations will boost city populations and support regional revitalisation.
Japan’s Broader Africa Strategy
The move is part of Japan’s strategy to enhance its influence in Africa amid growing Chinese engagement on the continent. By linking municipalities directly with African nations, Japan seeks to establish grassroots connections, promote two-way manpower exchanges, and position itself as a long-term partner in Africa’s development.
Prime Minister Ishiba also announced a $5.5 billion investment package in Africa at TICAD 9, highlighting private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration as core pillars.
Benefits for Africa
According to Oladunjoye, “The four cities will foster a foundation for two-way exchanges for manpower development that will add value to the economic growth of Japan, Nigeria, and the other three African nations. Local authorities hope that the designations will increase the population of their cities, contributing to their regional revitalisation efforts.”
For the African countries involved, the initiative offers access to training, professional opportunities, and strengthened economic ties with Japan. The program is expected to facilitate skills transfer, manpower development, and bilateral cooperation that can support local development initiatives.
Official Ceremony
Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe received the official certificate from the Japanese government.
Through this structured program, Japan aims to address domestic labour shortages, promote municipal revitalisation, and reinforce strategic partnerships with Africa, creating a model for sustainable bilateral engagement and human resource development.
