The government of Japan on Thursday 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.
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
The statement noted that under the new partnership, announced on the sidelines of the ninth 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,” the statement stated.
On her part, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires, Mrs. Florence 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,” it added.
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.
Keep in touch with these website for details when the program starts rolling in.
Embassy of Japan in Nigeria: The official website (www.ng.emb-japan.go.jp) (www.ng.emb-japan.go.jp) provides visa information and updates on migration programs. It includes details on how to apply for visas, including the new special visa category for Kisarazu, and contact information for the Japan Visa Application Centres (JVACs) in Abuja and Lagos, operated by VFS Global. You can find specifics on booking appointments, required documents, and processing times.
Japan Visa Application Centre (VFS Global): Visit visa.vfsglobal.com for comprehensive details on visa application processes, including the special visa for Nigerians. This site outlines required documents, fees, and appointment booking for the JVACs in Abuja and Lagos. Contact them at +234-(0)8150188800 or Info.JapanNigeria@vfshelpline.com for further inquiries.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: The official site (www.mofa.go.jp) (www.mofa.go.jp) provides information on visa policies, including the Japan eVISA system, though the special visa for Nigerians may have unique requirements not yet fully detailed in the eVISA framework. Check for updates on migration programs announced at TICAD9.l
Nigerian Ministry of Information and National Orientation: For Nigeria-specific announcements, check their official communications or the State House website (statehouse.gov.ng) for updates on the Kisarazu program, as they confirmed the initiative on August 22, 2025.
City of Kisarazu Official Website: While not explicitly mentioned in the sources, the Kisarazu city website may provide local information on living conditions, housing, and opportunities for migrants. It’s worth checking for any dedicated sections on the Nigerian hometown initiative.
For the most reliable and up-to-date information, start with the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria or the VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centre websites, as they will detail eligibility, application processes, and any specific requirements for the Kisarazu migration program. Since the program is new
keep an eye on these sources for further announcements, as application details may still be forthcoming.
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