What does prefecture mean?
A prefecture is one of Japan’s principal administrative divisions, each administered by an elected chief official known as a prefect. Prefectures are generally larger than cities, towns, and villages, though their size and character vary considerably: some contain a major metropolitan center, while others are largely rural, mountainous, or made up of remote islands. The word also appears in names such as Kanagawa Prefecture and Kyoto Prefecture. In contemporary English, its use is especially associated with Japan, where the prefectural government is responsible for areas including transport, education, policing, public health, and regional planning. Although “prefecture” can be translated more generally as an administrative district, it should not be confused with “prefect,” which names the official who leads such a district.
nounA prefecture is an administrative division of Japan, larger than a city, town, or village and smaller than a region or major geographical area. It is administered by a prefect, who serves as its chief executive.
- An administrative division of Japan, governed by a prefect and subdivided into cities, towns, and villages.
"Kyoto Prefecture is home to the historic city of Kyoto and to several rural mountain communities."
"The governor of Kanagawa Prefecture announced new measures to reduce traffic congestion."
"The mountain village, although tiny, forms part of a prefecture with a population of several million."
Used when referring to more than one Japanese administrative division or to such divisions as a class.
"Several prefectures were affected by the unusually heavy snowfall."
Japan's prefectures are often famous for more than their names: Hokkaido stretches across an entire northern island, while Kyoto Prefecture preserves an ancient capital within a modern regional government.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prefecture come from?
The word “prefecture” comes from Latin praefectura, meaning the office or administrative district of a praefectus, or “one placed in charge.” It entered English through French, initially referring to an official’s jurisdiction or administrative division. The modern Japanese administrative sense developed as the system of prefectures was established in Japan during the Meiji period. The related English word “prefect” preserves the same Latin root through French.
Related word forms
How prefecture is actually used
In modern English, “prefecture” is used chiefly for the administrative divisions of Japan. In other historical and international contexts, it may refer more broadly to an administrative district under a prefect or other official, but such usage is much less common.
Easily confused with prefecture
A prefecture is a defined administrative unit of Japan, whereas a province is a broader geographical or administrative division found in several other countries and historical systems.
A prefecture is the administrative area itself, while a prefect is the official who leads its government.