Districts of Japan facts for kids

Districts of Japan (郡#日本の郡) were areas of traditional local government in Japan before the Meiji period. The function of districts has changed over time, but they continue to exist in contemporary Japan.

Districts are not all the same size. They are roughly equivalent to a county in the United Kingdom or the United States. They are smaller than prefectures and larger than towns and villages.

History

Districts were established in the 8th century.

Until the 10th century, the chief government official of a district (gun) was called the gunji. During the Edo period, the head of a district (gun) was called the gundai.

Between 1878 and 1921, the Meiji period and Taishō period, districts were given specific powers and responsibilities which are now diffused.

Related pages

• List of regions of Japan
• List of islands of Japan
• Municipalities in Japan

Images for kids

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  Modern districts of Japan. Cities (white areas) are not part of districts.

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  Former district government office of Higashiyamanashi, Yamanashi (reconstruction at Meiji-mura museum)

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  District assembly of Kawabe, Akita in 1923. All assemblies would be abolished by 1926.

See also

In Spanish: Distritos de Japón para niños