All You Should Know About KISARAZU, Japan’s Newly Designated ‘Hometown For Nigerians’

The government of Japan has designated Kisarazu City in Chiba Prefecture as the official hometown for Nigerians, with a special visa scheme designed to attract skilled workers, students, and professionals from Nigeria.

The announcement was made on Thursday during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

Below are things to know about the city:

A Coastal City Near Tokyo

It is located roughly 70 km from Tokyo, Kisarazu is connected via the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, a 23.7 km bridge-and-tunnel route—making travel to the capital remarkably convenient.

Olympic Ties With Nigeria

Nigeria’s athletes were trained in Kisarazu during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, laying the groundwork for today’s hometown partnership.

Population and Development

As of 2020, it is home to approximately 136,000 residents, Kisarazu faces the common challenge of an aging population.

The Nigerian exchange programme is poised to significantly bolster the local workforce and community vitality.

Safety and Security

Japan’s reputation as one of the world’s safest countries extends to Kisarazu.

Low levels of violent crime and a strong presence of community policing make for a notably calm, secure environment, especially appealing to newcomers.

According to Risky Cities, when it comes to specific crime records, Kisarazu has relatively low instances of violent crimes.

However, like any other city, there may be occasional reports of petty crimes such as pickpocketing or theft.

Fashion and Clothing

Everyday attire tends to be modern and casual, think jeans, shirts, jackets.

Traditional wear like kimono and yukata is reserved for festivals and cultural celebrations. Nigerians relocating may blend Western-style fashion with African prints during cultural events.

Local Food

Kisarazu is renowned for its clams harvested at Egawa Beach.

Other local delights include seafood dishes, ramen, udon, and festival snacks like takoyaki and taiyaki.

Businesses and Economy

Nigerians’ official hometown is situated in the Keiyō Industrial Zone, Kisarazu hosts steel, chemical, and electronics industries.

The Mitsui Outlet Park serves as a major retail hub, while Agriculture and fishing remain cornerstones of the local economy.

Festivals and Culture

Events such as the Yassai Mossai dance parade and the Kisarazu Minato Port Festival featuring fireworks and street performances contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy.

The TV drama Kisarazu Cat’s Eye also shines a spotlight on the city.

Landmarks and Attractions

The Nakanoshima Bridge, the tallest pedestrian bridge in Japan, offers sweeping views of Tokyo Bay and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.

Additionally, the historic Kōzō-ji Temple, dating back to the 1500s, is a local landmark.

The rest includes Kurkku Fields, Nakanoshima Park, Egawa Beach, Aeon Mall Kisarazu, Umihotaru, and Mitsui Outlet Park, among others.

Marriage Policy

Marriages must be registered at the city hall to be legally recognised. The minimum legal age is 18 for both genders, and polygamy is not permitted under Japanese law.

Nigerian citizens marrying in Japan must present proof of single status at registration.

Currency in Use

Like the rest of Japan, Kisarazu uses the yen (¥), with notes in ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 denominations and coins ranging from ¥1 to ¥500.