4.7. Mapping rules: Japan

This section contains mapping rules which apply specifically to Japan.

4.7.1. Rules for adding attributes to addresses

The official name of the address is set as Block No. — House No. (where the block is the chome division unit), and the name of the Also known as type can be listed in hieroglyphs.

For example:

  • Official: 1—1
  • Also known as: 1番1号

4.7.2. Administrative divisions

4.7.2.1

Hierarchy levels for administrative divisions:

  • Level 2: Prefecture (analogous to region). Japan is divided into 47 prefectures.

  • level 3:

    • Subprefecture (six prefectures are divided into subprefectures).
    • District (subprefectures are divided into districts).

    Level 3 divisions don't cover the entire country.

  • Level 4:

    • City, town, village.
    • Special wards of Tokyo and development areas.

    Level 4 divisions cover the entire country.

    Development areas:

    • Are drawn along the borders of the development.
    • Have names that can be found in the municipality card.
    • Have municipalities as parent divisions.
  • Level 5: City district.

  • Level 6: Historical region, district, block, named intersection.

  • Level 7: Block.

4.7.2.2

Check Municipality for all level 4 items except development areas.

4.7.2.3

When divided into chomes, the numbers in the local name should be written in Chinese rather than Arabic numerals: 〇 一 二 三 四 五 六 七 八 九 十.

4.7.3. Hydrography

Map gulfs within their geographical boundaries and name them in accordance with the name of their coastal part (-wan). The geographical name of the gulf and the name of its outer part (nada) can be added as synonyms.

For example, for Sagami Bay, specify Sagami-wan Bay as the official name and add Sagami Bay and Sagami-nada Bay as synonyms.

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