Two state lawmakers from Snohomish County are bound for Japan Thursday where they will meet with leaders of Hyogo Prefecture which is Washington’s sister state.
Democratic Sens. Steve Hobbs of Lake Stevens and John McCoy of Tulalip and their wives are among the delegation making the weeklong trip. The lawmakers will be paying for airfare, lodging and other expenses out of their own pocket.
Hobbs, in a statement, called it a “friendship mission” to further solidify the link between Washington and Hyogo which established cultural ties 52 years ago.
“This mission is a great opportunity to continue to build on the already strong foundation that we have with our friends in Hyogo,” he said. “My hope is that by renewing our relationship with Hyogo will open doors for Washington goods in other parts of the world as well.”
Members of the delegation are also scheduled to participate in a governmental exchange program to better learn how Japanese government operates. Trips are planned to Kato, the sister city of Olympia, and the Kobe Earthquake Museum.
Sen. Karen Fraser, D-Olympia, organized the trip and sent an invitation to every member of the Legislature. Leaders of the city of Olympia and Thurston County also are part of the contingent.
McCoy said he and his wife had been pondering a trip to Ireland when the invite from Fraser arrived.
“I asked my wife if she wanted to go to Japan or Ireland. We decided on Japan,” he said Wednesday. “I’ll mix a whole lot of pleasure with a little bit of business.”
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