# Prefectural or Municipal Ordinance (条例, じょうれい)

This is the Markdown twin of https://japanlaw.org/en/concepts/local-ordinance. Every law, and how to address a provision: https://japanlaw.org/llms.txt. The same laws as MCP tools (no sign-in): https://japanlaw.org/mcp.

- Group: Institutions, offices and documents
- URL: https://japanlaw.org/en/concepts/local-ordinance
- In Japanese: https://japanlaw.org/ja/concepts/local-ordinance
- Written by: claude-opus-5-5, 2026-10-07

A rule a local government makes for itself: a prefecture (都道府県), a city, town or village (市町村), or one of Tokyo's special wards (特別区) (Local Autonomy Act, Articles 1-3, 281 and 283). Its assembly (議会), whose members the residents elect, passes it (Articles 89 and 96, paragraph (1), item (i)), and its head — the governor or the mayor (Article 139) — promulgates it, that is, makes it public so that it can take effect (Article 16). The Constitution lets local governments make them within the limits of Acts (Constitution, Article 94), and one may not go against the national laws and regulations (法令), such as Acts, Cabinet Orders (政令) and Ministerial Orders (省令) (Local Autonomy Act, Article 14, paragraph (1)). Unless national laws and regulations provide otherwise, a local government can impose a duty or restrict a right only by one of these (Article 14, paragraph (2)), and it may write into one penalties for breaking it, within limits the Local Autonomy Act sets (Article 14, paragraph (3)). It is made for that local government's own affairs (Article 2, paragraph (2) and Article 14, paragraph (1)), so the same matter can be handled differently from one place to the next. It is a local rule, not a national one: an "ordinance" in the name of a national rule, such as an Ordinance for Enforcement of an Act, is usually a Ministerial Order (省令) or another national instrument.

Written for this site by an AI model from the provisions and pages it cites. Each sentence was checked against them by a separate AI model run and revised to its findings. Not reviewed by a lawyer.

## Provisions and sources it draws on

- [Constitution, Art. 94](https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/321CONSTITUTION) — on this site: https://japanlaw.org/en/constitution
- [Local Autonomy Act, Arts. 1-3, 2, 14, 16, 89, 96, 139, 281, 283](https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/322AC0000000067)

## Where the laws use it

40 laws in force use it in this sense, in 547 provisions; there the word opens this explanation.

- [Local Tax Act (地方税法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/local-tax-act): 295 provisions, among them [Article 1](https://japanlaw.org/en/local-tax-act/art-1), [Article 3](https://japanlaw.org/en/local-tax-act/art-3), [Article 3-2](https://japanlaw.org/en/local-tax-act/art-3-2)
- [Long-Term Care Insurance Act (介護保険法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/long-term-care-insurance-act): 90 provisions, among them [Article 15](https://japanlaw.org/en/long-term-care-insurance-act/art-15), [Article 18](https://japanlaw.org/en/long-term-care-insurance-act/art-18), [Article 42](https://japanlaw.org/en/long-term-care-insurance-act/art-42)
- [National Health Insurance Act (国民健康保険法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/national-health-insurance-act): 22 provisions, among them [Article 43](https://japanlaw.org/en/national-health-insurance-act/art-43), [Article 56](https://japanlaw.org/en/national-health-insurance-act/art-56), [Article 58](https://japanlaw.org/en/national-health-insurance-act/art-58)
- [Residential Basic Book Act (住民基本台帳法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/residential-basic-book-act): 16 provisions, among them [Article 30-10](https://japanlaw.org/en/residential-basic-book-act/art-30-10), [Article 30-11](https://japanlaw.org/en/residential-basic-book-act/art-30-11), [Article 30-12](https://japanlaw.org/en/residential-basic-book-act/art-30-12)
- [Act on Assurance of Medical Care for Elderly People (高齢者の医療の確保に関する法律)](https://japanlaw.org/en/elderly-medical-care-act): 16 provisions, among them [Article 56](https://japanlaw.org/en/elderly-medical-care-act/art-56), [Article 57](https://japanlaw.org/en/elderly-medical-care-act/art-57), [Article 86](https://japanlaw.org/en/elderly-medical-care-act/art-86)
- [Act on the Protection of Personal Information (個人情報の保護に関する法律)](https://japanlaw.org/en/personal-information-protection-act): 14 provisions, among them [Article 18](https://japanlaw.org/en/personal-information-protection-act/art-18), [Article 60](https://japanlaw.org/en/personal-information-protection-act/art-60), [Article 61](https://japanlaw.org/en/personal-information-protection-act/art-61)
- [Medical Care Act (医療法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/medical-care-act): 10 provisions, among them [Article 4](https://japanlaw.org/en/medical-care-act/art-4), [Article 4-2](https://japanlaw.org/en/medical-care-act/art-4-2), [Article 4-3](https://japanlaw.org/en/medical-care-act/art-4-3)
- [Act on the Use of Numbers to Identify a Specific Individual in Administrative Procedures (行政手続における特定の個人を識別するための番号の利用等に関する法律)](https://japanlaw.org/en/my-number-act): 10 provisions, among them [Article 9](https://japanlaw.org/en/my-number-act/art-9), [Article 18](https://japanlaw.org/en/my-number-act/art-18), [Article 18-5](https://japanlaw.org/en/my-number-act/art-18-5)
- [Administrative Complaint Review Act (行政不服審査法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/administrative-complaint-review-act): 9 provisions, among them [Article 4](https://japanlaw.org/en/administrative-complaint-review-act/art-4), [Article 9](https://japanlaw.org/en/administrative-complaint-review-act/art-9), [Article 16](https://japanlaw.org/en/administrative-complaint-review-act/art-16)
- [Public Assistance Act (生活保護法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/public-assistance-act): 7 provisions, among them [Article 39](https://japanlaw.org/en/public-assistance-act/art-39), [Article 40](https://japanlaw.org/en/public-assistance-act/art-40), [Supplementary Provisions, Article 18](https://japanlaw.org/en/public-assistance-act/suppl-4171-77/art-18)
- [Act on Special Measures Concerning Taxation (租税特別措置法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/special-taxation-measures-act): 7 provisions, among them [Article 34-2](https://japanlaw.org/en/special-taxation-measures-act/art-34-2), [Article 41-8](https://japanlaw.org/en/special-taxation-measures-act/art-41-8), [Article 65-4](https://japanlaw.org/en/special-taxation-measures-act/art-65-4)
- [Anti-Stalking Act (ストーカー行為等の規制等に関する法律)](https://japanlaw.org/en/anti-stalking-act): 4 provisions, among them [Supplementary Provisions](https://japanlaw.org/en/anti-stalking-act/suppl-4121-81), [Supplementary Provisions, Article 3](https://japanlaw.org/en/anti-stalking-act/suppl-4251-73/art-3), [Supplementary Provisions, Article 3](https://japanlaw.org/en/anti-stalking-act/suppl-4281-102/art-3)
- [Health Insurance Act (健康保険法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/health-insurance-act): 4 provisions, among them [Article 55](https://japanlaw.org/en/health-insurance-act/art-55), [Article 128](https://japanlaw.org/en/health-insurance-act/art-128), [Article 196](https://japanlaw.org/en/health-insurance-act/art-196)
- [Hotel Business Act (旅館業法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/hotel-business-act): 4 provisions, among them [Article 3](https://japanlaw.org/en/hotel-business-act/art-3), [Article 4](https://japanlaw.org/en/hotel-business-act/art-4), [Article 5](https://japanlaw.org/en/hotel-business-act/art-5)
- [Copyright Act (著作権法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/copyright-act): 3 provisions, among them [Article 18](https://japanlaw.org/en/copyright-act/art-18), [Supplementary Provisions, Article 2](https://japanlaw.org/en/copyright-act/suppl-4241-43/art-2), [Supplementary Provisions, Article 1](https://japanlaw.org/en/copyright-act/suppl-5031-37/art-1)
- [Employment Insurance Act (雇用保険法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/employment-insurance-act): 3 provisions, among them [Article 6](https://japanlaw.org/en/employment-insurance-act/art-6), [Article 37](https://japanlaw.org/en/employment-insurance-act/art-37), [Article 75](https://japanlaw.org/en/employment-insurance-act/art-75)
- [Labor Union Act (労働組合法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/labor-union-act): 2 provisions, among them [Article 19-12](https://japanlaw.org/en/labor-union-act/art-19-12), [Article 24-2](https://japanlaw.org/en/labor-union-act/art-24-2)
- [Employees' Pension Insurance Act (厚生年金保険法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/employees-pension-insurance-act): 2 provisions, among them [Article 56](https://japanlaw.org/en/employees-pension-insurance-act/art-56), [Article 95](https://japanlaw.org/en/employees-pension-insurance-act/art-95)
- [National Pension Act (国民年金法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/national-pension-act): 2 provisions, among them [Article 104](https://japanlaw.org/en/national-pension-act/art-104), [Supplementary Provisions](https://japanlaw.org/en/national-pension-act/suppl-3421-136)
- [Real Estate Brokerage Act (宅地建物取引業法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/real-estate-brokerage-act): 2 provisions, among them [Article 16-19](https://japanlaw.org/en/real-estate-brokerage-act/art-16-19), [Supplementary Provisions, Article 1](https://japanlaw.org/en/real-estate-brokerage-act/suppl-5031-37/art-1)
- [Income Tax Act (所得税法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/income-tax-act): 2 provisions, among them [Article 9](https://japanlaw.org/en/income-tax-act/art-9), [Supplementary Provisions, Article 1](https://japanlaw.org/en/income-tax-act/suppl-5031-37/art-1)
- [Regulation for Enforcement of the Income Tax Act (所得税法施行規則)](https://japanlaw.org/en/income-tax-act-enforcement-regulation): 2 provisions, among them [Article 4](https://japanlaw.org/en/income-tax-act-enforcement-regulation/art-4), [Article 40-4](https://japanlaw.org/en/income-tax-act-enforcement-regulation/art-40-4)
- [Inheritance Tax Act (相続税法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/inheritance-tax-act): 2 provisions, among them [Article 12](https://japanlaw.org/en/inheritance-tax-act/art-12), [Article 21-3](https://japanlaw.org/en/inheritance-tax-act/art-21-3)
- [Administrative Procedure Act (行政手続法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/administrative-procedure-act): 2 provisions, among them [Article 2](https://japanlaw.org/en/administrative-procedure-act/art-2), [Article 3](https://japanlaw.org/en/administrative-procedure-act/art-3)
- [Road Traffic Act (道路交通法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/road-traffic-act): 2 provisions, among them [Article 112](https://japanlaw.org/en/road-traffic-act/art-112), [Article 114-4](https://japanlaw.org/en/road-traffic-act/art-114-4)
- [Real Property Registration Act (不動産登記法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/real-property-registration-act): 1 provision, among them [Supplementary Provisions, Article 1](https://japanlaw.org/en/real-property-registration-act/suppl-5031-37/art-1)
- [Private Lodging Business Act (住宅宿泊事業法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/private-lodging-business-act): 1 provision, among them [Article 18](https://japanlaw.org/en/private-lodging-business-act/art-18)
- [Act on Land and Building Leases (借地借家法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/land-and-building-leases-act): 1 provision, among them [Supplementary Provisions, Article 1](https://japanlaw.org/en/land-and-building-leases-act/suppl-5031-37/art-1)
- [Penal Code (刑法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/penal-code): 1 provision, among them [Supplementary Provisions](https://japanlaw.org/en/penal-code/suppl-4031-31)
- [Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act (労働者災害補償保険法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/industrial-accident-insurance-act): 1 provision, among them [Article 45](https://japanlaw.org/en/industrial-accident-insurance-act/art-45)
- [Act on Building Unit Ownership (建物の区分所有等に関する法律)](https://japanlaw.org/en/building-unit-ownership-act): 1 provision, among them [Article 62](https://japanlaw.org/en/building-unit-ownership-act/art-62)
- [Family Register Act (戸籍法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/family-register-act): 1 provision, among them [Supplementary Provisions, Article 1](https://japanlaw.org/en/family-register-act/suppl-5031-37/art-1)
- [Passport Act (旅券法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/passport-act): 1 provision, among them [Article 20](https://japanlaw.org/en/passport-act/art-20)
- [The Constitution of Japan (日本国憲法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/constitution): 1 provision, among them [Article 94](https://japanlaw.org/en/constitution/art-94)
- [Civil Code (民法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/civil-code): 1 provision, among them [Supplementary Provisions, Article 1](https://japanlaw.org/en/civil-code/suppl-5031-37/art-1)
- [Consumption Tax Act (消費税法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/consumption-tax-act): 1 provision, among them [Appended Table 2](https://japanlaw.org/en/consumption-tax-act/appdx-2)
- [Act on Access to Information Held by Administrative Organs (行政機関の保有する情報の公開に関する法律)](https://japanlaw.org/en/information-disclosure-act): 1 provision, among them [Supplementary Provisions, Article 1](https://japanlaw.org/en/information-disclosure-act/suppl-5031-37/art-1)
- [Road Transport Vehicle Act (道路運送車両法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/road-transport-vehicle-act): 1 provision, among them [Supplementary Provisions, Article 1](https://japanlaw.org/en/road-transport-vehicle-act/suppl-5031-37/art-1)
- [Lost Property Act (遺失物法)](https://japanlaw.org/en/lost-property-act): 1 provision, among them [Supplementary Provisions, Article 1](https://japanlaw.org/en/lost-property-act/suppl-5031-37/art-1)
- [Act to Facilitate the Employment of Persons with Disabilities (障害者の雇用の促進等に関する法律)](https://japanlaw.org/en/employment-of-persons-with-disabilities-act): 1 provision, among them [Supplementary Provisions, Article 23](https://japanlaw.org/en/employment-of-persons-with-disabilities-act/suppl-5041-104/art-23)

## Related

- [Act (法律, ほうりつ)](https://japanlaw.org/en/concepts/act)
- [Constitution (憲法, けんぽう)](https://japanlaw.org/en/concepts/constitution)
- [Cabinet Order (政令, せいれい)](https://japanlaw.org/en/concepts/cabinet-order)
- [Ministerial Order (省令, しょうれい)](https://japanlaw.org/en/concepts/ministerial-ordinance)
- [Promulgation (公布, こうふ)](https://japanlaw.org/en/concepts/promulgation)
- [Coming into force (施行, しこう)](https://japanlaw.org/en/concepts/enforcement)
- [Special ward (特別区, とくべつく)](https://japanlaw.org/en/concepts/special-ward)
- [Request for review (審査請求, しんさせいきゅう)](https://japanlaw.org/en/concepts/request-for-review)

---

## Sources

- Explanation: Written for this site with AI (claude-opus-5-5, 2026-10-07)
- Where it is used, and how often: Worked out by this site from e-Gov's text
- English names of the laws: Japanese Law Translation, Ministry of Justice (40 records)