Japan’s Special Visa Handouts to Africa, Should Africans Tread with Caution?

As I pondered the recent development of Japan designating specific provinces for Africans, particularly Nigerians, I couldn’t help but think of the movie District 9 and the Divergence Series. The idea of segregating people based on their ethnicity or nationality raises questions about the potential for apartheid or colonialism.

When countries begin to lure Africans with specific districts, as Japan is now doing, shouldn’t this be a pointer to something more than meets the obvious? Is this segregation designed to police the population or a deeper issue that reveals a tendency for Africans “not to get along,” a narrative that has been deliberately pushed for years?

Let’s take a closer look at the situation. Japan has designated Kisarazu as a hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in the country as part of its strategic efforts to deepen cultural diplomacy, promote economic growth, and enhance workforce productivity. Similarly, Japan has named other cities as hometowns for Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique.

At the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development, the Japanese government created a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu to live and work. Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan.

However, it’s essential to consider Japan’s demographic crisis, which has led to a shortage of workers and a need for immigration. Japan needs humans for procreation, workers to keep the country on its feet, and care for its aging population. This raises questions about the potential implications of this initiative. Are we seeing a pattern of segregation or a deeper issue that reveals the tendency for Africans “not to get along,” a narrative that has been deliberately pushed for years?

To better understand this situation, let’s break it down into key points to consider:

• Japan’s Demographic Crisis: Japan is facing a severe population crisis, with a rapidly aging population and a low birth rate. This has led to a shortage of workers and a need for immigration.
• Special Visa Category: Japan has created a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians to live and work in Kisarazu, a province designated specifically for Nigerians.
• Cultural Diplomacy: The arrangement aims to strengthen exchanges between Japan and four African countries (Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique) by officially connecting municipalities with existing relations with those nations.
• Potential Risks: Critics argue that this segregation could be designed to police the population or perpetuate negative narratives about Africans.
• Assimilation: Individuals who choose to seize this opportunity will likely need to assimilate into Japanese culture, respecting laws, mannerisms, and behavioral patterns.

As we consider this initiative, several questions come to mind:

• Long-term Game Plan: What are Japan’s long-term goals for this initiative? Are they looking to integrate Africans into their society or keep them separate?
• Hidden Costs: What are the potential costs and consequences for Africans living in these designated provinces?
• Negotiation: Should Nigerians and other Africans query this offer and negotiate for better terms?

To contextualize Japan’s actions, it’s essential to consider the country’s history with racial issues. Japan has faced criticism for its handling of racial issues, with some arguing that the country has a history of xenophobia and racism. Similar initiatives in other countries, such as the UK and USA, have been criticized for perpetuating segregation and discrimination.

Moving forward, it’s crucial to critically evaluate Japan’s intentions and the potential implications of this initiative. Individuals considering this opportunity should think strategically about their place in Japan and how they can navigate potential challenges. Open dialogue and negotiation between Japan and African countries can help address concerns and ensure a mutually beneficial arrangement.

In conclusion, while Japan’s initiative may seem like an opportunity for Africans, it’s crucial to critically evaluate the potential implications and consider the long-term consequences. As we move forward, it’s essential to prioritize open dialogue and negotiation between Japan and African countries to ensure a mutually beneficial arrangement. If your calling is Japan, I wish you all the best.

— Lady E Ejiro Umukoro, Policy Analyst