Presidential Aides Take a Stroll Through Japan’s New “Nigerian Hometown”—Kisarazu
By: Oluwaseun Lawal
It’s not every day you hear about a city in Japan being called “Nigeria’s hometown.” Sounds odd, right? But that’s exactly what happened. Friday, just after the big Tokyo International Conference for African Development—TICAD9, they call it—two of President Tinubu’s aides, Bayo Onanuga and Temitope Ajayi, found themselves in Kisarazu. Not Tokyo. Not Osaka. Kisarazu.
So, this is the story, Japan has made it known. Kisarazu is now the go-to city for Nigerians who want to live and work in Japan. It’s not just a random pick. In 2021, during the Olympics, the Nigeria’s team was camped in Kisarazu city where they were highly welcomed.
Onanuga, always quick to share, posted about the visit on X (yeah, that’s what Twitter’s called now). He called it a “voyage of discovery.” You can almost picture him and Ajayi, walking through the city center, maybe a little jet-lagged, maybe a little curious. The mayor’s office is right there, too. Mayor Watanabe, probably smiling for the cameras, shaking hands, doing the whole diplomatic thing.
But this isn’t just about sightseeing. There’s a bigger plan. Japan wants to deepen ties with Nigeria. Not just talk, but real action. They’re rolling out a special visa. Not for everyone, though. They want the best and brightest—highly skilled, innovative, young Nigerians. People who can bring something new to the table. But it’s not just for the techies and the brainiacs. Artisans, blue-collar workers, anyone ready to learn and upskill—they’re welcome too. That’s the deal.
The Japanese government says it’s about cultural diplomacy. About growing the economy. About boosting their workforce. Makes sense. Japan’s got an aging population. They need fresh energy, new ideas. And Nigeria? Well, there’s no shortage of young, talented people looking for opportunities.
Back home, the news is spreading. Some folks are excited. Others, maybe a bit skeptical. “Kisarazu? Where’s that?” you hear people say. But for those who’ve been dreaming of Japan, this could be the open door they’ve been waiting for.
The State House put out a statement, too. Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information, made it official. The partnership was announced right after TICAD9. It’s not just a handshake and a photo op. There’s a real plan here. Special visa categories, support for skilled workers, a chance for Nigerians to build a life in a city that’s now being called their “hometown” in Japan.
It’s a bit surreal, honestly. One day you’re watching the Olympics, the next, your country’s got a designated city in Japan. But that’s how these things happen. Quiet meetings, a few friendly gestures, and suddenly, a new chapter opens.
So, Kisarazu city might just be your next big story, if you’re young, skilled, and thinking about Japan, keep an eye on. Who knows? Maybe one day, it’ll feel like home. Or at least, a little bit closer to it.
