Welcome Reception for a Delegation from Yamagata City (September 29, 2026)

On September 29, 2026, a welcome reception was held in Boulder, Colorado for Mayor Takahiro Sato and a delegation from Yamagata City. Boulder and Yamagata, which celebrated the 30th anniversary of their sister city relationship two years ago [in 2024], have continued to deepen their friendship following Mayor Aaron Brockett’s visit to Yamagata in 2025. This year, 35 people from Yamagata visited Boulder.

The reception took place at the Frasier Retirement Community, where guests enjoyed a facility tour and a dedication of a Japanese garden handmade by the residents prior to the reception. Former Boulder Mayor Leslie Durgin, who initiated the sister city partnership, also attended, and the event was filled with warm and friendly atmosphere.

To celebrate Mayor Sato’s birthday the following day, Mayor Brockett declared September 30th as “Mayor Sato Day,” which was met with great excitement.

Consul-General Hiroyuki Okajima and other staff from the Consulate were also invited and attended, expressing their respect and appreciation to all those dedicated to fostering exchanges between the two cities.