Updated：August 31, 2016

In 1960, Yamanashi Prefecture established its first sister state relationship--with the state of Iowa, in the United States. This led to similar ties with the State of Minas Gerais in Brazil, the Province of Sichuan in the People’s Republic of China, and Chungcheongbuk-do in South Korea.

Sister State: Iowa, United States of America

Relationship established March 14, 1960.

When a typhoon hit Yamanashi in 1959, the prefecture received livestock and other farm products from Iowa, which helped to initiate the sister state relationship between the two regions. Yamanashi was the one of the first prefectures in Japan to form such an international relationship.

• Population: 2,930,000
• Area: 145,000 km2
• Capital: Des Moines (pop. 200,000)
• Agriculture: Corn, pigs, cattle, soybean, wheat
• Industry: Machinery, food, chemistry, biotechnology
• URL: https://www.iowa.gov/

Sister State: Minas Gerais, Brazil

Relationship established July 25, 1973

While Yamanashi is famous for its gem polishing and jewelry-making, Minas Gerais is renowned for its dealings in raw precious metals--thus providing the perfect connection for both regions to become acquainted and set up exchanges. Located on the opposite side of the globe from Yamanashi, Minas Gerais acts as a basis for the promotion of exchange with Central and South America.

• Population: 17,890,000
• Area: 588,000 km2
• Capital City: Belo Horizonte (pop. 2,240,000)
• Agriculture: Livestock farming, coffee, soybeans, pineapples, corn
• Industry: Iron, steel, cement, automobiles, pulp
• URL: https://www.mg.gov.br/

Friendship Province: Sichuan, China

Friendship tie established June 18, 1985

Like Yamanashi Prefecture, Sichuan Province’s central region is located in a basin. Long ago, when Sichuan was still known as the "Country of Shoku," the province was home to two famous military figures of China’s Three Kingdoms period (220-280): Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. Presently, Sichuan is known for its traditional arts such as embroidery and lacquerware. The province resembles Yamanashi in both history and culture.

• Population: 86,730,000
• Area: 485,000 km2
• Capital City: Chengdu (pop. 10,190,000)
• Agriculture: Rice, rapeseed, silk, citrus fruits, pigs, tea, herbal medicine
• Industry: Steel, chemicals, machinery
• URL: http://www.sc.gov.cn/

Sister Province: Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea

Relationship established March 27, 1992

Like Yamanashi Prefecture and Sichuan Province, the topography of Chungcheongbuk-do is that of an inland basin, bordered by the Sobaek and Charyeong Mountain Ranges. Chungcheong’s natural beauty is illustrated in a local saying: "Fresh like the wind and clear like the moonlight." The region is also home to many modern industries and a lively economic sector, made possible by the 1997 opening of Cheongju International Airport in the capital city of Cheongju.

• Population: 1,500,000
• Area: 7,400 km2
• Capital City: Cheong-ju
• Agriculture: Grapes, ginseng, shiitake mushrooms, dried persimmon, aquarium fish, processed livestock products, red pepper, tobacco, apples
• Industry: Semicounductors, electronics, leather, chemical products, VCR tape.
• URL: http://www.provin.chungbuk.kr/