Strong ties in agriculture between Japan and Iowa trace back to 1960 and the “Iowa Hog Lift” — a rescue effort following severe typhoon damage in Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture.

Back then, two typhoons devastated much of Yamanashi’s agricultural sector, prompting Iowa leaders to send hogs to Japan to help revive the industry. Iowa farmers donated 35 hogs delivered by cargo plane, courtesy of the U.S. Air Force.

This act of generosity not only helped revitalize Japan’s hog industry but also established Iowa and Yamanashi as the first sister states. Japan has since reciprocated, gifting Iowa a “Bell of Friendship,” displayed at the capitol building in Des Moines, and providing...