In a bold step toward strengthening ties with Africa, Japan has launched an innovative initiative designating the city of Kisarazu as a welcoming “hometown” for Nigerians seeking to live and work in the country. Announced during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) on August 21, 2025, this program introduces a unique visa pathway tailored for Nigeria’s skilled professionals, innovators, and workers eager to contribute to Japan’s economy while advancing their careers.
The initiative is part of Japan’s broader strategy to deepen cultural and economic connections with African nations. The special visa category targets young, highly skilled Nigerians in fields like technology, engineering, and creative industries, offering them opportunities to settle in Kisarazu.
Additionally, artisans and blue-collar workers willing to participate in upskilling programs will gain access to streamlined visa processes, enabling them to work in sectors critical to Japan’s growth.
At a ceremony in Tokyo, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, joined Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe to receive an official certificate recognizing the city as Nigeria’s designated hub. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also named three other cities as hometowns for African nations: Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique. These pairings aim to foster mutual exchanges in workforce development, education, and innovation.
According to a statement from Nigeria’s State House, the initiative is designed to create a framework for two-way collaboration, benefiting both Japan’s regional revitalization efforts and the economic aspirations of African nations. Kisarazu, already familiar to Nigerians as the host city for the country’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics delegation, is poised to become a vibrant hub for this new wave of migration and cultural exchange.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, speaking at TICAD9, highlighted the program’s significance within Japan’s $5.5 billion investment commitment to Africa. He stressed the need for collaborative solutions to address global challenges, noting Japan’s aging population and shrinking agricultural sector as areas where African talent could make a transformative impact. “Africa and Japan must co-create solutions, focusing on sustainable growth, youth empowerment, and regional connectivity,” Ishiba said.
For Nigeria, this program offers a chance to channel its youthful, dynamic workforce into global opportunities, potentially reducing unemployment and fostering skill development. For Japan, it’s an opportunity to address labor shortages while enriching its cultural landscape. Local authorities in Kisarazu hope the influx of Nigerian residents will boost the city’s population and economic vitality.
As the program prepares to launch, Nigerian applicants are advised to stay updated through official Japanese and Nigerian government channels for details on eligibility and application processes. This pioneering effort could redefine Japan-Africa relations, setting a precedent for meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships in the years ahead.