Yamagata Governor and Delegation visit Colorado (August 5-9, 2016)

From Friday, August 5th through Monday, August 9th, Governor Mieko Yoshimura of Yamagata Prefecture visited Colorado with a delegation in celebration of the 30th anniversary of sister prefecture-state relations.

On the 5th, Consul-General Ito briefed the delegation on the state of Colorado, to which Governor Yoshimura responded by stating she wanted to continue to deepen friendly relations between Yamagata and Colorado. The Governor also introduced prefectural attractions such as Yamagata hot springs and Yamagata’s specialty goods, in particular Tsuyahime rice and local sakes and wines. On the 8th, Governor Yoshimura met with Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. They reflected on the 30-year history of friendly relations and exchanged opinions on how to further promote exchanges between the sister prefecture and state. 

During their visit, the delegation attended the Sister Prefecture-State 30th Anniversary and Welcome Reception and participated in exchange events hosted by the Japanese American Association (JAA) of Colorado. The delegation introduced Yamagata’s specialty goods to the local community as well and actively promoted the expansion of tourism and economic exchanges.

As a Consulate-General of Japan, we will continue to offer support and encouragement to both sides in future sister prefecture-state exchanges.