The Japanese government has clarified that its “JICA Africa Hometown” initiative does not include granting special visas or immigration privileges to Africans, including Nigerians. The initiative aims to strengthen exchanges between African countries and Japanese local governments through various activities, such as exchange events involving JICA overseas cooperation volunteers.
Four cities in Japan have been designated as “hometowns” for specific African countries: Kisarazu for Nigeria, Nagai for Tanzania, Sanjo for Ghana, and Imabari for Mozambique. The program focuses on fostering people-to-people ties, boosting manpower development, and promoting cultural exchange and cooperation.
The Japanese government emphasizes that there are no plans to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries. The initiative is designed to enhance cooperation and exchange between Japan and African nations, rather than providing a pathway for mass relocation.
