The Government of Japan has officially designated Kisarazu, a city in Chiba Prefecture, as the “hometown” for Nigerians seeking to live and work in the country.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), as part of efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy, boost economic ties, and enhance workforce productivity.
According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Japan will introduce a special visa category designed for highly skilled, innovative, and talented Nigerians interested in relocating to Kisarazu.
Why Kisarazu?
Kisarazu, a city of about 136,000 residents, faces an aging population and shrinking workforce, a trend common across Japan. By welcoming Nigerians, Japan hopes to revitalize the city’s economy, attract younger populations, and expand bilateral exchange between both nations.
Kisarazu is strategically located just 70 kilometers from Tokyo and is known for its fishing, farming, and relaxed lifestyle. The city gained familiarity with Nigerians in 2020 when it hosted Nigeria’s Olympic team during their pre-Games training camp.
Visa and Settlement Opportunities
Under the new scheme, Nigerians will be able to apply for the “hometown visa” through the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria. The program will provide:
Affordable housing for migrants.
Opportunities to work and operate businesses freely in the city.
Access to the national health insurance system, giving Nigerians the same medical benefits as Japanese citizens.
Permission to relocate with family members, including spousal support for interracial couples.
Students and professionals will also benefit from the arrangement. International students may work up to 28 hours a week during school terms and 40 hours during holidays, while highly skilled professionals in fields such as health, education, technology, and the arts can apply with proof of employment and financial capacity.
Japan has also highlighted opportunities for Nigerians in agriculture, manufacturing, fashion, and entertainment industries. Skilled and semi-skilled workers who are willing to upskill are expected to benefit significantly from the initiative.
International Exchange
The arrangement is part of a wider Japanese initiative linking African countries with regional cities. Alongside Kisarazu for Nigeria, Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture was named the hometown for Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.
Speaking during the ceremony, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and the Mayor of Kisarazu, Yoshikuni Watanabe, received the official certificate from the Japanese government.
“The four cities will provide a foundation for manpower development and two-way exchanges that will add value to the economic growth of Japan, Nigeria, and the other participating African nations,” the Ministry of Information stated.
Local Japanese authorities also expressed optimism that the designation would help increase the population of Kisarazu and support regional revitalization efforts.
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