A delegation of 250 people from a prefecture in Japan is visiting Washington to celebrate 50 years of a sister-state relationship.
Leaders from Washington state and the Hyogo Prefecture will renew their relationship in a joint agreement Monday afternoon. They will then gather to celebrate with food and entertainment that honors both regions.
Former Washington Gov. Al Rosellini first began the sister-state relationship during a visit to Japan in 1963. Now, 12 cities in Washington state have sister cities in Hyogo.
Schuyler Hoss is the director of international relations for Gov. Jay Inslee. He says the relationship has had cultural, educational and business benefits for both sides. He also says it helped Washington over the years turn its business focus to international markets.