Dōshūsei

The Dōshūsei (Japanese道 州 制, dt as " state system " ) is a planned reorganization of the sub-national level in Japan. The existing since the 19th century prefectures to be replaced by larger states ( shū or for Hokkaidō dō ), greater autonomy should be maintained and financially better to be able to act.

Today's self-administration of prefectures was largely developed during the occupation after the Pacific War. The division into prefectures was doing but not touched.

It is discussed the possible reorganization of regional administrations since the 19th century. The central government developed concrete plans for a Dōshūsei since the early 2000s. Developed by a commission proposals had a breakdown in 9, 11 or 13 states.

Proposed subdivision into 11 states: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Northern Kanto, South Kanto, Hokuriku, Tokai, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa

Proposed subdivision into 13 states: Hokkaido, northern Tohoku, Southern Tohoku, Northern Kanto, South Kanto, Hokuriku, Tokai, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, North Kyushu, southern Kyushu, Okinawa