By Obinna Uballa
Japan has clarified that its newly launched ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative does not include any special visa arrangement for Nigerians or other African nationals, contrary to reports suggesting otherwise.
The clarification comes a week after the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, where the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) unveiled the program to strengthen ties between four African countries and four Japanese cities.
Under the arrangement, Kisarazu was paired with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique.
Following the announcement, a statement from Nigeria’s State House, signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, director of information, claimed that Japan would create “a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians” interested in relocating to Kisarazu.
It also suggested that artisans and blue-collar workers willing to upskill would benefit from the scheme.
The reports generated excitement across local media platforms, with many viewing it as a potential migration opportunity.
However, in a statement on Monday, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly denied the claim, saying: “There are no plans to introduce measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for African nationals.”
The ministry stressed that the ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ programme is focused purely on cultural and educational exchanges—such as volunteer programmes and community events, not on immigration pathways.
This development is similar to a recent diplomatic misunderstanding involving the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where reports had claimed that the country had lifted its long-standing visa restrictions on Nigerians, a claim later denied by Emirati authorities.
Japan reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with African countries through cultural exchange but emphasised that its immigration policies remain unchanged.
