tokubetsu ku

Japanese government

Also known as: special ward

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July 17, 2026

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The term "tokubetsu ku" refers to the 23 special wards that constitute the core of Tokyo, Japan's capital. These wards function as independent municipalities within the larger Tokyo Metropolis. Each special ward has its own elected head and council, with limited authority over local matters.12

The creation of these special wards in 1943 aimed to delineate the city of Tokyo from other municipalities within the metropolitan prefecture. Unlike other cities designated as shitei toshi (designated cities), which are divided into wards, Tokyo's 23 special wards were established as a distinct administrative entity. The chiefs of these special wards are elected directly by the residents.12

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Japan
Local government
Tokyo has 23 tokubetsu ku (special wards), the chiefs of which are elected by the residents. These special wards, created after the metropolitan prefecture was established in 1943, demarcate the city of Tokyo from the other cities and towns that make up the metropolitan prefecture; the city proper,…
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Tokyo has 23 tokubetsu ku (special wards), the chiefs of which are elected by the residents. These special wards, created after the metropolitan prefecture was established in 1943, demarcate the city of Tokyo from the other cities and towns that make up the metropolitan prefecture; the city proper,…
Read More