Subprefectures of Japan

are a Japanese form of self-government which focuses on local issues below the prefectural level. 

Each subprefecture is part of the greater administration of the prefecture and the national state.  It is also as part of a self-government system.Imperial Japanese Commission to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. (1903). Japan in the beginning of the 20th century, p. 80. 

History
Subprefectures were given a definite form in 1878 (Meiji 11).Imperial Japanese Commission, p. 81. 

The Meiji government established the  as an administrative unit.  

In 1888 (Meiji 21''), the sub-prefecture as a form of self-government was officially recognized as more general than civic corporations like cities, towns and villages. 

Some prefectures of Japan include subprefectures. The subprefecture is the jurisdiction surrounding a "branch office" of the prefectural government. 

Current subprefectures
Hokkaidō, 14  subprefectures 
Kagoshima, 2 subprefectures
Miyazaki, 1 subprefecture
Tokyo, 4 subprefectures 
Shimane, 1 subprefecture 
Yamagata, 4 subprefectures

Former subprefectures
Hyōgo, 10 subprefectures
Chiba, 5 subprefectures
Nagasaki, 3 subprefectures
Okinawa, 2 subprefectures

Related pages

 List of regions of Japan
 List of islands of Japan
 Municipalities of Japan

References

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