In some countries around the world (like various Spanish-speaking ones), Valentine's Day is a day in which friendship (more so than romantic love) is celebrated. February's Discussion Series is dedicated to Colorado's sister-state in Japan, Yamagata Prefecture. 2006 marks the 20th year anniversary of our sister-state relationship with Yamagata. The kanji for Yamagata means Mountain forms. Did you know Yamagata is known for some of the best quality of apples in Japan? Or that Yamagata is famous for cast-iron products? It is also a chief rice production district, which enables our sister-state to produce high quality sake (rice wine). Would you like to learn more? Mr. Kazumitsu Tanaka, the new Yamagata representative from the Colorado Office of International Trade, will be discussing our sister-state and why it is so special.