Japan has designated Kisarazu City as the official hometown for Nigerians wishing to live and work in the country, offering special visas and economic opportunities to strengthen Nigeria–Japan ties.
Kisarazu Declared Official Hometown for Nigerians in Japan
In a landmark move to deepen ties between Nigeria and Japan, Kisarazu, a coastal city in Chiba Prefecture, has been officially declared the “hometown” for Nigerians looking to live and work in Japan.
The announcement came at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), where Japan introduced a special visa program for Nigerians. The scheme is designed for highly skilled professionals, artisans, and blue-collar workers willing to upskill, aligning with Japan’s efforts to revitalize its regions and address labor shortages.
Why Kisarazu Was Chosen
Kisarazu holds a unique bond with Nigeria, having hosted the country’s athletes during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Its welcoming spirit and existing ties made it the ideal choice for this designation.
The city is just 70 km from Tokyo, connected by the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, and offers a thriving economy based on steel, electronics, agriculture, and fishing. It also has modern attractions like Mitsui Outlet Park and cultural highlights such as local seafood cuisine and Kōzō-ji Temple. With affordable living costs and strong community structures, Kisarazu provides an ideal environment for Nigerians to settle.

The Special Visa Program
A key part of this initiative is the creation of a special visa category that will make it easier for Nigerians to relocate to Japan.
- The visa will target young, highly skilled Nigerians, as well as artisans and blue-collar workers who are willing to undergo upskilling in Japan.
- The aim is to fill labor shortages in Japan while creating new pathways for Nigerians to access career opportunities abroad.
- Details such as eligibility criteria, application timelines, and procedures are yet to be finalized. The Japanese government has not announced when Nigerians can start applying, but updates are expected through the Japanese Embassy in Nigeria and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
- Like other Japanese work visas, the process is likely to involve securing a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from a Japanese employer or host institution, followed by visa application at the embassy in Nigeria.
Until the program officially launches, Nigerians interested in relocating are advised to monitor official embassy announcements, prepare their professional documentation (CVs, certificates), and stay informed about upskilling opportunities that could qualify them for the program.
A Broader African Initiative
Kisarazu’s designation is part of a wider Japanese strategy to pair cities with African countries:
- Nagai (Yamagata Prefecture) with Tanzania
- Sanjo (Niigata Prefecture) with Ghana
- Imabari (Ehime Prefecture) with Mozambique
These partnerships are aimed at boosting people-to-people exchanges, cultural integration, and local population growth.
At TICAD9, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also announced a $5.5 billion investment package for Africa, emphasizing youth empowerment, private sector growth, and regional economic development.
This initiative creates a bridge between Nigeria and Japan, opening doors for Nigerians to pursue opportunities abroad while helping Japan tackle its demographic challenges.
What This Means for Nigerians
The “hometown” designation provides several opportunities for Nigerians:
- Special Visa Pathways for skilled youth, artisans, and professionals.
- Job Opportunities across Kisarazu’s growing industries.
- Community Support for cultural integration, including language and adaptation programs.
The formal ceremony marking the designation was attended by Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe of Kisarazu, solidifying the agreement.
This initiative creates a bridge between Nigeria and Japan, opening doors for Nigerians to pursue opportunities abroad while helping Japan tackle its demographic challenges.
For many Nigerians, Kisarazu is now more than a city, it is an official gateway to Japan.