Japan has officially designated Kisarazu City in Chiba Prefecture as the “hometown” for Nigerians under a newly launched visa programme. The announcement was made during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), underscoring Japan’s commitment to deepening ties with Nigeria through cultural diplomacy and workforce exchange.
The new visa scheme is tailored for highly skilled Nigerians, innovative talents, and artisans who are willing to upskill. By opening a structured migration pathway, Japan hopes to address its labour shortages and ageing population, while also providing Nigerians with fresh opportunities in education, healthcare, industry, and technology.
Kisarazu was chosen for its historic connection to Nigeria, having hosted the country’s athletes during preparations for the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The city’s strong industrial base, rich cultural heritage, and proximity to Tokyo make it ideal for Nigerians seeking to integrate into Japanese society. Local authorities also view the initiative as a chance to revitalize Kisarazu’s population and promote international community building.
Officials from both nations described the programme as a “win–win” strategy to enhance people-to-people exchange, economic growth, and bilateral cooperation, setting a new milestone in Nigeria–Japan relations.
