Japan Designates Kisarazu City as Hometown for Nigerians Under New Migration Pact

RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
23 August 2025

In a historic move blending diplomacy, migration, and economic vision, Japan has designated the coastal city of Kisarazu as the official hometown for Nigerians who wish to live and work in the country. The announcement, made Thursday during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), marks a bold step in Japan’s quest to build bridges with Africa while addressing its own demographic challenges.

Under the initiative, a special visa programme will be rolled out for young, skilled, and innovative Nigerians, offering pathways to employment and long-term settlement in Kisarazu. The scheme is not limited to professionals alone—artisans and blue-collar workers keen to upgrade their skills will also be welcomed under this migration framework.

At the official ceremony, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Florence Adeseke, alongside Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe of Kisarazu, received the certificate confirming the city’s new status. The development places Nigeria alongside three other African nations whose “hometowns” were also announced: Nagai (Tanzania), Sanjo (Ghana), and Imabari (Mozambique).

For Japan, the policy goes beyond symbolism. With a rapidly ageing population and shrinking workforce, the nation is actively exploring avenues to revitalise its regions through international cooperation. Local authorities in Kisarazu see this as an opportunity to reverse population decline, inject cultural vibrancy, and sustain economic activity.

The city itself is no stranger to Nigeria. During the COVID-19-delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Kisarazu played host to Nigeria’s athletes, providing pre-game training facilities and hospitality. That shared history, officials say, made Kisarazu a natural choice for this deeper partnership.

Speaking at TICAD9, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba outlined Japan’s Africa strategy, pledging $5.5 billion in new investments across the continent. He emphasised three focal points—private sector-led sustainable growth, empowerment of youth and women, and stronger regional integration. Crucially, he framed Japan’s outreach as a “co-creation,” stressing that Africa and Japan must design solutions together.

“Japan is providing cooperation and support, but first we must know Africa more intimately,” Ishiba remarked. “As we face the realities of an ageing society and shrinking farmland, partnerships such as these are vital—not only for Africa’s development but for Japan’s future too.”

Observers say the move underscores a mutual dependence: Nigeria, with its youthful population and entrepreneurial energy, gains a new pathway for its citizens abroad, while Japan secures fresh talent to power its industries and communities.

For many Nigerians, Kisarazu is poised to become more than a destination—it could soon be a second home.

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