Their visit came barely 24 hours after Japan, during the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), formally announced the partnership, making Kisarazu a settlement hub for Nigerians under a new cultural and economic cooperation framework.
Onanuga, in a post shared via his X handle on Saturday, highlighted the city’s symbolic ties with Nigeria, recalling that it hosted the country’s athletes during the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.
“After the closing ceremony of TICAD9, we went on a voyage of discovery to Kisarazu, the town the Japanese have designated as Nigeria’s hometown. Nigeria’s Olympic team camped here in 2021. The video shows the city centre, where the Mayor Watanabe’s office is also located,” Onanuga wrote.
Presidential aides, Bayo Onanuga and Temitope Ajayi, on Friday, visited Kisarazu, the Japanese city newly designated as Nigeria’s hometown. Photo: Bayo Onanuga / X
Special Visa Scheme for Nigerians
The Government of Japan had, a day earlier, announced that a special visa category will be created to attract Nigerians — particularly highly skilled professionals, innovative entrepreneurs, and talented young workers.
The arrangement also extends to artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria, provided they are willing to upskill to meet Japan’s technical and vocational standards. The initiative is expected to ease relocation processes while addressing Japan’s workforce challenges and deepening bilateral ties.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, the hometown designation forms part of Japan’s wider strategy to promote cultural diplomacy, economic growth, and productivity enhancement.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Kisarazu’s selection as Nigeria’s official hometown is more than symbolic. The city’s location near Tokyo, its industrial profile, and its history of cooperation with Nigerian athletes during the Olympics made it a natural choice for the programme.
By introducing a structured relocation and work framework, both governments aim to create opportunities for Nigerians seeking international exposure while supporting Japan’s aging population with a younger, vibrant workforce.