Japan Dismisses Claims of Special Visa Programme for Nigerians Linked to Kisarazu Partnership

The Government of Japan has debunked reports suggesting that a special visa programme has been introduced for Nigerians seeking to relocate to Kisarazu, the Japanese city recently twinned with Nigeria under a new cultural exchange initiative.

The clarification follows the unveiling of the “JICA Africa Hometown” project at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held in Yokohama last week. The programme, spearheaded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is designed to strengthen cooperation between African countries and selected Japanese municipalities.

As part of the arrangement, four Japanese cities were officially paired with four African nations: Kisarazu with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana and Imabari with Mozambique.

Japanese officials stressed that the partnership is focused on promoting cultural, educational, and developmental exchanges rather than creating any immigration pathways. The initiative, they noted, aims to encourage mutual understanding, grassroots collaboration, and people-to-people ties between Japan and participating African nations.

The clarification underscores Japan’s commitment to cultural diplomacy while countering misinformation that had circulated regarding special visa access for Nigerians.