In a major step to deepen cultural diplomacy and strengthen bilateral ties, the government of Japan has officially named Kisarazu City as the hometown for Nigerians who wish to live and work in the country.
The announcement was made on Thursday at the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) and disclosed in a statement on Friday by the State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
According to the statement, Japan will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative young Nigerians to relocate to Kisarazu for work and professional development. The arrangement will also cover artisans and blue-collar workers willing to upskill, giving them an opportunity to contribute to Japan’s labour force while gaining advanced training.
Kisarazu has a history of strong ties with Nigeria, having hosted the Nigerian Olympic contingent during the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games, where athletes held pre-games training camps and acclimatisation sessions.
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Strategic Exchange Program
The move is part of Japan’s broader initiative to link African countries with specific municipalities for manpower and cultural development. Alongside Nigeria’s deal with Kisarazu, three other African nations secured partnerships:
- Tanzania with Nagai City (Yamagata Prefecture)
- Ghana with Sanjo City (Niigata Prefecture)
- Mozambique with Imabari City (Ehime Prefecture)
The initiative, driven by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is expected to expand exchanges in manpower development, stimulate innovation, and boost economic growth both in Japan and across the partner African nations.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Adeseke, and the Mayor of Kisarazu, Yoshikuni Watanabe, jointly received the certificate of designation on behalf of their countries and cities.
Japan’s Development Vision
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his opening address at TICAD9, unveiled a $5.5 billion investment plan for Africa, stressing the need for private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.
He acknowledged the challenge of Japan’s ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, noting that strategic manpower partnerships with Africa would not only benefit Japan’s economy but also promote co-creation and mutual understanding.
“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 TICAD9 focuses on sustainable growth, youth and women, and regional integration,” Ishiba said.
With the new agreement, Nigerian professionals and workers relocating to Kisarazu are expected to play a vital role in revitalising the city’s population while gaining new skills and opportunities that will positively impact Nigeria’s economy in the long term.
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