noun
assistant official; deputy mayor
Historically a common title for a deputy or assistant in local government, especially a deputy mayor under the old system. In modern contexts, the term 副市町村長 is more common, but 助役 may still appear in historical or formal references.
彼は町の助役に任命された。
He was appointed as the assistant official of the town.
昔の地方自治体では、助役が重要な役割を果たしていた
In old local governments, the deputy mayor played an important role.
Modern term for deputy mayor of a village.
Compound of 助 (じょ, 'assist') and 役 (やく, 'role' or 'official position'). The term reflects its function as an assisting official in local government.