The Japanese government has officially refuted reports suggesting it was introducing a special visa category for skilled Nigerian professionals aiming to relocate to Kisarazu — a city recently named as Nigeria’s cultural “hometown” under a new exchange programme.
This clarification comes after numerous media outlets last week cited a presidential statement indicating that Tokyo was preparing a visa scheme targeting “highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians” to live and work in Kisarazu.
The statement, reportedly signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at Nigeria’s State House, also noted that artisans and blue-collar workers seeking skill development would be included in the initiative.
However, on Monday, August 25, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded, stating that no immigration or special visa measures for African nations, including Nigeria, are currently planned.
The ministry clarified, “The ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative is intended to enhance exchange between four Japanese cities and four African nations through activities such as volunteer engagement and cultural events. There are no plans to implement immigration policies or issue special visas related to this programme. Reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate.”
This cultural initiative was introduced at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The programme aims to build stronger community and cultural ties, not facilitate migration.
As part of the scheme, Kisarazu was linked to Nigeria, Nagai to Tanzania, Sanjo to Ghana, and Imabari to Mozambique, with an emphasis on education, culture, and interpersonal engagement.
Japan’s foreign ministry emphasized that it will continue releasing accurate updates to prevent further public misunderstanding.
