In a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and addressing its own demographic challenges, the Japanese government has named the city of Kisarazu as a designated “hometown” for Nigerians.
This initiative, announced during the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), is designed to attract talented young Nigerians to live and work in the country.
The new partnership will create a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented individuals from Nigeria.
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It also extends to artisans and other blue-collar workers who are ready to upskill for the Japanese workforce.
The initiative is part of Japan’s broader strategy to deepen cultural diplomacy, promote economic growth, and boost workforce productivity.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Florence Adeseke, and Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe received a certificate confirming the designation.
The move is expected to foster a two-way exchange for manpower development, providing value to both the Japanese and Nigerian economies.
Japan has also assigned “hometowns” to three other African nations: Nagai for Tanzania, Sanjo for Ghana, and Imabari for Mozambique.
This arrangement builds on existing relationships between these cities and their respective African countries, leveraging past connections such as Kisarazu’s role as the host town for the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Japanese government hopes that these designations will help to increase the populations of these cities and contribute to regional revitalisation efforts.
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During the conference, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a new investment of $5.5 billion in Africa, emphasising the importance of private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.
He also acknowledged Japan’s ageing population and appealed to African nations for assistance in tackling this demographic challenge.
