Celebrating 66 Years of Iowa–Yamanashi Friendship: University of Yamanashi Visits UNI and Des Moines
This March 14, the State of Iowa and the Prefecture of Yamanashi celebrated 66 years of friendship, a milestone that highlights one of Iowa’s longest and most meaningful international partnerships. In honor of this anniversary, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) was pleased to welcome representatives from the University of Yamanashi (UY) for a multi‑day visit to Cedar Falls and Des Moines.
Campus Visit to UNI: March 11–12
UNI hosted Dr. Hiromitsu Nishizaki, Director of the Center for Promotion of Internationalization and Professor at UY, and Mr. Takeshi Nunomura, Assistant Professor at the Educational Organization Internationalization Promotion Center. Their visit focused on expanding academic collaboration and strengthening long‑standing ties between the two institutions.
Over the past year, UNI and UY have been working together to develop dual degree articulations in:
- Biology
- Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Electrical Engineering Technology
UY has expressed continued interest in additional programs, and the visit included meetings and tours with department heads to support this work. The Biology dual degree agreement is expected to be finalized soon—marking the first undergraduate dual degree program at the University of Yamanashi.
During their time on campus, Dr. Nishizaki and Mr. Nunomura met with UNI officials, including a courtesy meeting with Provost Herrera. They also enjoyed lunch with Maoko Umeda (JOI Coordinator), current Yamanashi students in the Culture & Intensive English Program (CIEP), and Ava Deitrich, Student Services Coordinator. A cultural highlight of their visit was a Daifuku‑making workshop at the Cedar Falls Public Library.
A Partnership with History and Momentum
The UNI–UY relationship has grown steadily over the past decade:
- First UY visit to UNI: 2016
- MOU with Iowa Sister States: 2016
- UNI–UY MOU signed: 2017
- Six student groups hosted through CIEP
- Five UY delegations welcomed to campus
- Online programs offered during the pandemic
- UNI faculty visits to Yamanashi: three total
- UNI students attending UY conferences: 2024, with more planned for 2025
These exchanges reflect a shared commitment to global learning, research collaboration, and cultural understanding.
Celebrating in Des Moines: March 13
On Friday, the UNI delegation traveled with the UY visitors to Des Moines, joined by Carolina Coronado‑Park, Director of the Office of International Engagement and Co‑Chair of Iowa’s Partner State Program Yamanashi Committee.
In Des Moines, the group was welcomed by leaders of Iowa’s Partner State Program:
- Ms. Patricia Grote, Executive Director, Iowa International Center
- Ms. Hannah Kang, International Programs Manager, Iowa International Center
- Ms. Leigh Carlson, International Relations Coordinator, Iowa Economic Development Authority
- Ms. Teresa Parmenter, Chair, Partner State Program Yamanashi Committee
The Iowa Economic Development Authority shared an overview of the Iowa–Yamanashi partnership and the history of the Partner State Program. The group enjoyed lunch together, visited the Temple Bell of Peace and Friendship—a symbol of Yamanashi’s gift to Iowa—and toured the Iowa Capitol Building.
The day concluded with a warm, community‑hosted dinner organized by the Partner State Program Yamanashi Committee at the home of Ms. Teresa Parmenter, celebrating the enduring friendship between Iowa and Yamanashi.
Looking Forward
Iowa–Yamanashi relationship. With new dual degree programs underway, continued student exchanges, and growing faculty collaboration, the future of this 66‑year partnership is bright.
UNI is honored to contribute to this legacy of international cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared academic opportunity.
