Translation guide
The head of a prefectural government in Japan. The most common and natural term is 知事 (chiji), used for elected governors. Other terms exist for historical or appointed roles.
The standard modern term for the elected head of a prefecture.
Terms used for governors in historical contexts or when the position was appointed rather than elected.
Historical term for the appointed governor of a prefecture during the early Meiji period (1871–1886). Not used in modern contexts.
To say 'the governor of [Prefecture]', use [Prefecture] + 知事. For example, 大阪府知事 (Governor of Osaka), 北海道知事 (Governor of Hokkaido). Note that Tokyo is 東京都, so it's 東京都知事.
Governor of Osaka
The Governor of Tokyo is Yuriko Koike.
The gubernatorial election will be held next month.
Prefectural governors in the Meiji era were appointed by the central government.
A very specific historical term for the governor of a domain (han) during the brief period after the Meiji Restoration before the abolition of the domains. Extremely rare.
Former daimyo were often appointed as domain governors.
北海道知事
Governor of Hokkaido
While these can translate to 'governor' in other contexts (e.g., colonial governor, bank governor), they are not used for prefectural governors. 知事 is the only correct modern term.