Subprefectures of Japan facts for kids

Subprefectures of Japan (支庁, shichō) are special areas in Japan that help manage local issues. Think of them as smaller administrative zones within a larger prefecture. Each subprefecture is part of the bigger government system of its prefecture and the country. They help local people have a say in how their area is run.

History of Subprefectures

Subprefectures became official in Japan in 1878. This was during the Meiji period (Meiji 11). The government at that time created the sub-prefecture (郡, -gun) as a way to organize different parts of the country.

Later, in 1888 (Meiji 21), subprefectures were officially recognized. They were seen as a more general way of self-government. This was different from specific local groups like cities, towns, or villages.

Some prefectures in Japan still use subprefectures today. A subprefecture is basically the area around a "branch office" of the prefectural government.

Current Subprefectures in Japan

Here are some of the prefectures that currently have subprefectures:

• Hokkaidō: This large northern island has 14 subprefectures.
• Kagoshima: Located in the south, it has 2 subprefectures.
• Miyazaki: This prefecture has 1 subprefecture.
• Tokyo: The capital city has 4 subprefectures.
• Shimane: This prefecture has 1 subprefecture.
• Yamagata: This prefecture has 4 subprefectures.

Former Subprefectures in Japan

Some prefectures used to have subprefectures but do not anymore:

• Hyōgo: This prefecture once had 10 subprefectures.
• Chiba: This prefecture used to have 5 subprefectures.
• Nagasaki: This prefecture once had 3 subprefectures.
• Okinawa: This southern prefecture used to have 2 subprefectures.

Related Pages

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

See also

In Spanish: Subprefecturas de Japón para niños