noun
external bureau; affiliated agency
Refers to an administrative body that is part of a ministry or agency but operates with a degree of independence, such as the Japan Meteorological Agency under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
気象庁は国土交通省の外局です。
The Japan Meteorological Agency is an external bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
外局には、庁や委員会などがある。
External bureaus include agencies and commissions.