The Government of Japan on Thursday designated the city of Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture as the official hometown for Nigerians seeking to live and work in the country, in a move aimed at deepening cultural diplomacy, boosting economic growth, and strengthening workforce productivity.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), where Japan outlined new measures to strengthen ties with Africa.
According to a statement by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House, the initiative will include the creation of a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians. Artisans and blue-collar workers willing to upgrade their skills will also be eligible for the programme.
At a formal ceremony, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also designated Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture as the hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, Mayor of Kisarazu, received the official certificate from the Japanese government.
The partnership is expected to create two-way exchanges in manpower development, adding value to the economies of both Nigeria and Japan. Local authorities say the designation will also help address Japan’s ageing population while contributing to the revitalisation of regional cities.
Kisarazu already shares a history with Nigeria, having hosted the Nigerian contingent during their pre-games training camps for the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Speaking during the TICAD9 summit, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced $5.5 billion in new investments across Africa. He stressed the importance of private-sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.
“Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa,” he said. “This co-creation focuses on three important areas: private-sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women, and regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa.”
The Prime Minister also acknowledged Japan’s own demographic challenges, including an ageing population and declining agricultural production, urging African partners to strengthen cooperation in finding mutually beneficial solutions.
