Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'municipalities' is most commonly expressed as 市町村 (しちょうそん), a collective term for cities, towns, and villages. The specific word used depends on the type and context.
Referring to local government entities collectively, such as cities, towns, and villages.
The standard collective term for municipalities in Japan, encompassing cities (市), towns (町), and villages (村). Used in administrative and formal contexts.
This law applies to all municipalities nationwide.
A broader term for local government bodies, including prefectures and municipalities. Often used in news and policy discussions.
Each municipality can enact its own ordinances.
A formal legal term for local public entities, including both prefectures and municipalities. Used in legal and constitutional contexts.
Local public entities may enact ordinances within the limits of law.
Distinguishing between cities, towns, and villages, or referring to a specific type.
City. Used for larger municipalities. Often combined with the city name, e.g., 横浜市 (Yokohama City).
Yokohama is a designated city.
Town. Reading varies: まち when standalone, ちょう when part of a compound name. Smaller than a city.
This town has a small population.
Village. Reading varies: むら when standalone, そん when part of a compound name. The smallest type of municipality.
That village is in the mountains.
Special wards of Tokyo. These are municipalities within the Tokyo Metropolis, similar to cities.
Referring to the administrative body or services of a municipality.
City hall or city office. The administrative center of a city. For towns and villages, use 町役場 (まちやくば) or 村役場 (むらやくば).
You can obtain a certificate of residence at the city hall.
Town hall or town office. For towns.
Village hall or village office. For villages.
市町村 refers specifically to municipalities (cities, towns, villages). 自治体 is broader and includes prefectures as well. In everyday conversation, 市町村 is more precise when talking about local municipal services, while 自治体 is common in news about local government policies.
Municipal mergers are progressing.
Local government finances are tight.
When referring to a specific municipality, attach the suffix 市, 町, or 村 to the place name. For example, 京都市 (Kyoto City), 箱根町 (Hakone Town), 白川村 (Shirakawa Village). In English, 'municipality' is often omitted, but in Japanese the suffix is usually required in formal contexts.
Many municipalities are facing population decline.
The municipality provides various services to residents.
東京には23の特別区があります。
There are 23 special wards in Tokyo.
町役場に問い合わせてください。
Please contact the town hall.
The village office closes at 5 p.m.