Japan has designated Kisarazu City as Nigerians’ official hometown, launching a visa scheme to strengthen cultural, educational, and economic ties.
Nigeria and Japan have strengthened bilateral ties following Japan’s designation of Kisarazu City in Chiba Prefecture as the official hometown for Nigerians. The announcement, made during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), comes with a special visa scheme to attract skilled workers, students, and professionals from Nigeria.
Located about 70 kilometres from Tokyo and linked by the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, Kisarazu offers both coastal tranquility and access to Japan’s capital. The city previously hosted Nigerian athletes during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, forming a foundation for deeper cooperation.
Economically, Kisarazu thrives in steel, chemicals, and electronics while maintaining fishing and farming traditions. Its cultural life includes the Yassai Mossai dance parade and the Minato Port Festival. Affordable living costs, reputable schools, and healthcare make it family-friendly.
Officials described the initiative as a bridge for cultural and economic exchange, with Kisarazu expected to play a central role in Nigeria–Japan relations.