Japan's 47 prefectures constitute the country's primary administrative divisions, serving as the first level of local government below the national level. Prefectures function as intermediate authorities between the central government and municipalities, managing responsibilities that require coordination across larger geographic areas. Their administrative duties include operating prefectural police forces, maintaining major roads and infrastructure, overseeing public high schools, and regulating business activities through licensing and permits. Prefectures also handle disaster response coordination, public health initiatives, and environmental protection within their jurisdictions. Each prefecture is headed by a directly-elected governor and maintains its own assembly, allowing for regional policy adaptation while implementing national directives. The system balances centralized governance with local autonomy, enabling prefectures to address region-specific needs while maintaining consistency in essential public services across Japan.