The government of Japan has designated four cities as official “hometowns” for residents of four African countries from Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and Mozambique, offering a special visa scheme. The concept is similar to “Chinatowns” or “Little Italys” in the United States.
- The Japanese government has assigned four cities as official ‘hometowns’ for African residents from specific nations to promote cultural and economic ties.
- This initiative, unveiled during TICAD 9 in Yokohama, aims to strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique.
- Special visa programs will facilitate skilled African professionals to live and work in these cities while addressing Japan’s labor shortages.
- The scheme reflects Japan’s broader strategy to enhance influence in Africa and manage demographic challenges amid an aging population.
Under the initiative, the Japan International Cooperation Agency has assigned Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture as the hometown for Nigerians, Nagai in Yamagata for Tanzanians, Sanjo in Niigata for Ghanaians, and Imabari in Ehime for Mozambicans.
Announced on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Yokohama from August 20–23, 2025, the initiative forms part of Japan’s strategic effort to strengthen bilateral ties with African nations, promote cultural exchange, and address labour market challenges arising from its rapidly declining population.
Special Visa Program for African Talent
Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, confirmed for the Nigerian side that the partnership will include a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians wishing to live and work in Kisarazu. Artisans and other blue-collar workers willing to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa.
Similar arrangements are anticipated for Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique, providing structured pathways for professional development while supplying Japan with needed workforce talent.
Demographic Pressures and Workforce Needs
Japan faces an aging population, with nearly 30% of its citizens aged 65 and above, and fewer than 60 working-age individuals per 100 retirees. This demographic shift has intensified the country’s need for foreign labour to support key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba acknowledged these challenges but emphasised that locally rooted solutions are essential for Africa’s development.
He said, “Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa. So, in creating solutions together, this co-creation at TICAD 9, we focus on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women, and regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa.”
He also appealed to African countries to assist Japan as it grapples with the challenges of a declining population and shrinking agricultural land.
City Selection and Strategic Purpose
While the concept of “sister cities” has been declining globally, Japan is reviving it by designating four municipalities to strengthen bilateral relations with selected African nations.
Each city has strategic or historical links to its assigned country: Kisarazu hosted the Nigerian contingent for the COVID-19-delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, while Nagai, Sanjo, and Imabari were paired with Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique to promote cultural and economic ties.
Although Japan has not explained why only these four African countries were chosen, local authorities anticipate that the hometown designations will boost city populations and support regional revitalisation.
Japan’s Broader Africa Strategy
The move is part of Japan’s strategy to enhance its influence in Africa amid growing Chinese engagement on the continent. By linking municipalities directly with African nations, Japan seeks to establish grassroots connections, promote two-way manpower exchanges, and position itself as a long-term partner in Africa’s development.
Prime Minister Ishiba also announced a $5.5 billion investment package in Africa at TICAD 9, highlighting private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration as core pillars.
Benefits for Africa
According to Oladunjoye, “The four cities will foster a foundation for two-way exchanges for manpower development that will add value to the economic growth of Japan, Nigeria, and the other three African nations. Local authorities hope that the designations will increase the population of their cities, contributing to their regional revitalisation efforts.”
For the African countries involved, the initiative offers access to training, professional opportunities, and strengthened economic ties with Japan.
The program is expected to facilitate skills transfer, manpower development, and bilateral cooperation that can support local development initiatives.
Official Ceremony
Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe received the official certificate from the Japanese government.
Through this structured program, Japan aims to address domestic labour shortages, promote municipal revitalisation, and reinforce strategic partnerships with Africa, creating a model for sustainable bilateral engagement and human resource development.
Olamilekan Okebiorun
