Japan designates Kisarazu as hometown for Nigerians

This is part of a strategic initiative to deepen cultural
diplomacy, promote economic growth, and enhance workforce productivity.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo
International Conference for African Development (TICAD9).

Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s charge d’’affaires and
acting ambassador to Japan, received the certificate that officially named
Kisarazu as Nigeria’s hometown.

According to the announcement, under the new partnership,
Japan will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative,
and talented young Nigerians who wish to relocate to Kisarazu.

Artisans and other blue-collar Nigerian workers seeking to
upskill will also benefit from this visa scheme.

The initiative is expected to foster two-way exchanges that
will contribute to the economic growth and regional revitalisation of both
nations.

Kisarazu previously hosted the Nigerian contingent for the
2020 Tokyo Olympics, serving as their pre-games training base.

In a ceremony, the Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA) also named Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture as the hometown of Tanzania,
Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture as the hometown of Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime
Prefecture as the hometown of Mozambique.

These designations aim to strengthen bilateral exchanges and
manpower development between Japan and the African nations.

At TICAD9, Shigeru Ishiba, Japanese prime minister,
announced $5.5 billion in new investments in Africa, highlighting the
importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative efforts
for sustainable development.

He emphasised Japan’s focus on private sector-led growth,
youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.

Ishiba also acknowledged Japan’s demographic challenges and
called on African nations to support Japan as it addresses issues related to a
declining population and shrinking agricultural land.