Prefectures and municipalities are both local public entities of equal status, with the prefectures in charge of broader regional administration and the municipalities handling affairs directly related to the residents.

• 都道府县和市町村是对等的地方公共团体,都道府县负责广泛的地方行政事务,而市町村则直接掌管与居民密切相关的各种事务。