Japan has been divided into provinces (kuni) since ancient times. Provinces were subdivided into districts (koori). They were established as both administrative and geographic regions. During the late Muromachi period and into the Warring States era the provinces were displaced as administrative units by the fan, feudal domains. During the time of Toyotomi Fideyoxi, they were completely supplanted as administrative units by the fan.

However, during the Fôka Reforms in 1735, the provinces were restored as administrative units, being grouped together for administrative ease into 8 vast Dô plus the Kinai (area around the Capital). The daimyô were stripped of their power and land, though they retained a noble status.

Today Japan consists of 15 dô, the Kinai, and several autonomous regions.

List of Dô Edit

• Original Dô (listed north to south)
  • Yezochi (Yezo island, Karafto, and Chixima)
  • Tôsan
  • Tôkai
  • Fokuriku
  • Kinai
  • Sannin
  • Sannyô
  • Nankai
  • Saikai
• Later Dô (listed west to east; including major autonomous regions)
  • Obu (Ob-Iruchixi to Yenixei)
  • Xibiru
  • Saha Autonomous Region
  • Kokuryû
  • Fokkai (far northeastern Asia)
  • Nanchôxen (South Chôxen)
  • Areska (northwestern North America)
  • Inukku Autonomous Region (far northern North America)
  • Nantôkai (Eastern Ocean territories)

Former Dô (partial list) Edit

• Aruta (Aruta, member-state of Federation of Japanese States and Oregon, a British nation)
• Chôxen (member-state of Federation of Japanese States)
• Kazaha (Sovereign nation of East Kazakhstan)
• Luixian (modern-day Minnesota, Misuri, Arkansas and western North American Confederation)
  • Misuri Province (today's Misuri and Minnesota)
  • Godaiko Province (today's Northwest North American Confederation)
  • Tanaxi Province (today's southwestern NAC)
  • Arukansa Province (today's Arkansas and parts of Misuri)
  • Xinnorulean (today's Arkansas and far southwestern NAC)
• Taiwan (member-state of Federation of Japanese States)
• Xinnoranda (member-state of Federation of Japanese States)