Local authorities in Japan have the autonomy to establish their own local regulations. The harmonious relationship with the local community is a fundamental aspect of daily life in Japan, and ordinances are vital to fostering such engagement. According to Japan’s Constitution, laws are formulated through “cabinet orders and ministerial ordinances” and “ordinances and regulations”. We conducted a study examining the ordinances relevant to our daily routines.
Breach of regulations carries consequences
Among the autonomous laws of local governments, those passed by the assembly are known as ordinances, while those implemented by the head of the region (prefectural governor/municipal mayor) are categorised as regulations. Ordinances have the capacity to be enacted independently, therefore being a distinctive feature of the region. The Local Autonomy Law has divided the area of a local public entity into several blocks and established the “regional autonomy district system.” This system gives residents of the area the power to make their own decisions. However, it’s important to bear in mind that this doesn’t mean everything is permissible. We must ensure we respect the affairs of the local government, the constitution, and laws and regulations imposed by the national government. To understand the local regulations in your area, you will become aware of what is permissible and what is not. There are penalties for violating regulations, therefore, it is unwise to take them lightly. There are penalties for violating regulations, therefore, it is unwise to take them lightly. It is necessary to consult the website for each local government to be aware of the regulations.
Famous ordinances: Nuisance Prevention Ordinance.
The aim of these regulations is to prevent public disturbances and to uphold residents’ peace and tranquillity. The penalties differ across regions, but encompass molesting, voyeurism, touting, and stalking.
Famous bylaw: Smoking Ban on Streets.
These bylaws include measures that “regulate smoking on the streets” and “regulate smoking while walking.” They might also encompass “environmental regulations” or “rules prohibiting smoking while walking.” Although there are regional discrepancies, bear in mind that these policies are widely known to locals. The purpose of preventing cigarette littering extends beyond environmental protection, encompassing the risk of cigarette fire and smoke to other pedestrians. Over the past decade, the number of smokers in Japan has significantly reduced. As the Japanese population becomes increasingly health-conscious, smoking is met with harsher judgement. We urge smokers to consider their surroundings and act accordingly.
Unique ordinance: Onigiri (rice balls) ordinance with pickled plums
In a small town in Wakayama Prefecture, renowned for its plum (ume) production, an ordinance was introduced to “increase public awareness and promote umeboshi due to the declining consumption of pickled plums (umeboshi) among young people.” Occasionally, umeboshi rice balls are featured on the school lunch menu in the region. Although umeboshi are a fundamental component of the Japanese dietary culture, recent reports indicate that their consumption amongst the younger generation is decreasing. Umeboshi has a distinctively salty flavors and blends well with rice, whilst also having a high nutritional value. Hence, if you have not tried it yet, it is a recommended delicacy to enhance your culinary experience.
Unique ordinance: Snow ordinance for everyone to be familiar.
This is a policy in a small community in Hokkaido, founded on the principle that “residents should develop a familiarity with snow, surmount the challenges presented by it in their daily lives, and creatively employ it as a ‘resource’ to enhance the quality of life and invigorate the community!” The policy is based on the belief that snow can be actively utilized as a ‘resource’ to upgrade the standard of living for residents and invigorate the community.
Many Japanese citizens are largely unaware of their government. However, when we find ourselves in trouble, we rely tremendously on governmental institutions. Certain ward offices, city halls, and town halls offer daily life support services for foreign residents. If you encounter any issues, please reach out directly to your corresponding ward office, city office, or town hall for assistance. Should you require translation, interpretation, liaison, or communication support, we can offer paid support in both English and Japanese, so please do not hesitate to contact us.