province of Japan (under the ritsuryō system)
Historical term referring to the administrative provinces established under the ritsuryō legal codes (7th–10th centuries). Often contrasted with the earlier 国 (kuni) and later feudal domains.
See also: 律令制
Ryōseikoku were administrative divisions established under the ritsuryō system.
The ryōseikoku existed as the predecessors of today's prefectures.