Formerly called Edo during the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokyo became Japan’s capital during the Meiji Restoration (1868). It’s had a few changes to the ward system since then.
Meiji Period (1868–1912)
- 1868: The name Edo-fu was changed to Tokyo-fu (東京府) which served as an urban prefecture and included the broader area around central Tokyo.
- In 1878 ( Meiji 11), the District, Town, and Village Organization Law (郡区町村編制法) was enacted in Tokyo Prefecture and 15 wards were established in the city centre around the Imperial Palace. Akasaka, Asakusa, Azabu, Fukagawa, Hongo, Honjo, Kanda, Koishikawa, Kojimachi, Kyobashi, Nihonbashi, Shiba, Shitaya, Ushigome and Yotsuya.
- In 1889 (Meiji 22), the city system was implemented in these 15 wards and it became Tokyo City .
Early Showa Period
- In 1932 ( Showa 7), 82 surrounding towns and villages were incorporated. At this time, 20 new wards were established in addition to the existing 15 wards, bringing the total to 35 wards. The expanded city was also referred to as “Greater Tokyo” (大東京, Dai-Tōkyō) during this period.
- In 1943 (Showa 18) during World War II, the Tokyo Metropolitan System was implemented. The dual administrative system of Tokyo-fu (prefecture) and Tokyo-shi (city) was abolished for war-time efficiency, and the prefecture and city were merged to form the Tokyo-to (metropolitan Tokyo). The 35 wards became the administrative districts of Tokyo.
Post World War II
- In March 1947 (Showa 22) the Constitution of Japan and the Local Autonomy Act set about to establish Special Wards 特別区 (Tokubetsuku). 24 of the 35 wards were reorganized into 11 wards. Which together with the 11 wards that were not reorganized made 22 wards.
- In May 1947 the 22 wards became a special wards.
- In August 1947 Nerima Ward was separated from Itabashi Ward and the present 23 special ward system began in Tokyo Metropolis.
