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Proposed regional system will shut residents away from local autonomy
Akahata editorial (excerpts)

An advisory panel to the prime minister has proposed that the current 47-prefecture system be abolished and the nation be divided into 9 to 13 districts in order to establish larger administrative units.

Local autonomy is built upon a system in which the local government is close enough to the residents so that they can take part in decision-making. The proposed consolidated administrative units system, however, will only help reduce local autonomy.

Even through some members of the panel expressed their skepticism about the new system by saying, "Discussion (for a larger administrative units system) is not yet appropriate," the government wants to introduce the new system in haste. Behind this is a pressure from business circles.

Calling for more "cutbacks and efficiency" in general administrative services as well as for a "larger administrative units system," the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) demands that the central government limit its role to diplomatic and military affairs and transfer its authority to improve infrastructure and public services to local governments.

The business world is seeking to facilitate large development projects and public works projects through lager municipalities that will have more authority than the prefecture.

The panel recommends that administrative services be turned over from the nation to smaller local units. Therefore, most tasks concerning domestic affairs will be left to these local units.

It is unacceptable that the national government, in its attempts to become smaller, will abandon its responsibilities for public services, including education and social welfare in which regional gaps should not exist.

The need now is for local governments to defend people's living conditions and rights, expand local financial resources, and improve local autonomy. Introducing a larger administrative units system runs counter to this need.
- Akahata, March 1, 2006