地方自治法
A is a local administrative unit in Japan with a population of at least 50,000 of which at least 60% of households must be established in a central urban area, and at least 60% of households must be employed in commerce, industry or other urban occupations. Cities are ranked on the same level as and ; the only difference is that they are not a component of . Like other contemporary administrative units, they are defined by the Local Autonomy Law of 1947.