Nigerians, Other Africans In Japan Get Official Hometown
Japanese government has officially recognized Kisarazu as the official hometown of Nigerians wishing to live and work in Japan.
The initiative, unveiled is an effort to improve workforce productivity, foster economic growth, and further cultural diplomacy,
This initiative also introduces a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who wish to relocate to Kisarazu to contribute to Japan’s economy.
Kisarazu is the closest rural town from Tokyo, located at about 1 hour from central Tokyo via the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line.
Additionally, the Japanese government said the arrangement would provide chances under the special dispensation visa framework for Nigerian blue-collar workers and craftsmen who are prepared to upskill.
During the celebration, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and the Mayor of Kisarazu, Yoshikuni Watanabe, jointly received the certificate naming Kisarazu the hometown of Nigerians, reinforcing the deepening of people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Local authorities in Kisarazu expressed confidence that the designation will increase the population of their city and contribute to regional revitalisation efforts, while also enhancing Nigeria–Japan exchanges in skills, innovation, and workforce development.
At the ceremony, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also announced similar designations: Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture as the hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture as the hometown of Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture as the hometown of Mozambique.
The four cities will serve as hubs for two-way exchanges, supporting manpower development and mutual economic growth.
Kisarazu has an existing bond with Nigeria, having hosted the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the team conducted its pre-Games trainings.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced $5.5 billion in new investments in Africa, emphasising collaboration as the foundation for sustainable development.
Prime Minister Ishiba acknowledged the issues of Japan’s ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, but urged stronger African collaborations as part of the answer.
