23rd August 2025
By Peter Omopo
The Japanese government has designated Kisarazu City in Chiba Prefecture as the official hometown for Nigerians, unveiling the partnership on Thursday at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
The initiative introduces a special visa scheme to attract skilled workers, students, and professionals from Nigeria, further strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Located about 70km from Tokyo, Kisarazu is accessible via the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, a 23.7 km bridge-and-tunnel route, making it a convenient base for Nigerians relocating to Japan.
The designation builds on Nigeria’s earlier ties with the city, as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics training camp for Nigerian athletes was hosted in Kisarazu.
With a population of around 136,000 residents, the city faces challenges of an aging demographic. Officials say the Nigerian exchange programme will help bolster the local workforce and inject vitality into the community.
Kisarazu offers a safe environment, modern infrastructure, and cultural vibrancy, with attractions including the Nakanoshima Ohashi pedestrian bridge, Egawa Beach, and the historic Kōzō-ji Temple. Festivals such as the Yassai Mossai dance parade and the Kisarazu Minato Port Festival also highlight the city’s cultural richness.
The city is part of the Keiyō Industrial Zone, hosting steel, chemical, and electronics industries, alongside a thriving agricultural and fishing economy. It also boasts the Mitsui Outlet Park, one of the largest retail hubs in the region.
For Nigerians considering relocation, Kisarazu provides access to universities, bilingual schools, and hospitals, while living costs are generally lower than in central Tokyo. Residents will be required to enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance scheme.
Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe, who attended the designation ceremony, said the city is committed to welcoming Nigerians and supporting their integration into the community.
The new visa pathway is expected to simplify work, study, and residency opportunities for Nigerians, fostering deeper cultural exchange and cooperation between Nigeria and Japan.
