also: ちょうぐみ
noun
machigumi; town-based self-governing organization
Historical term for a self-governing body formed by townspeople, active from the Muromachi period through the early Meiji era. Often translated as 'machigumi' in English historical literature.
江戸時代、町組は町の自治を担っていた。
During the Edo period, the machigumi was responsible for town self-governance.
この地域の町組は、祭りの運営にも関わっていた。
The machigumi in this area was also involved in organizing festivals.
Modern neighborhood association; 町組 is its historical predecessor, with more formal self-governing functions.
Compound of 町 (town) and 組 (group, association). The term reflects the historical organization of townspeople into self-governing units.