The announcement was made at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, where Japan also unveiled similar hometown designations for Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique.

Under the plan, young Nigerians with special skills and talents will have access to a new visa scheme, while artisans and workers seeking to upgrade their skills will also be eligible to live and work in Kisarazu.

Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, said the initiative would expand opportunities for Nigerian youth while supporting manpower development in both countries.

Kisarazu already shares a bond with Nigeria, having hosted the nation’s athletes during preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also announced $5.5 billion in new investments for Africa, highlighting youth empowerment, women participation, and regional integration as priorities.

By linking Kisarazu with Nigeria, Japan hopes to build lasting cultural and economic exchanges while addressing its own workforce challenges at home.