(The creation, dissolution, division or merger of special wards and alteration of boundaries)
Article 281-3.
The provisions of Article 7 shall not apply to special wards.
Article 281-4.
The creation, dissolution, division or merger of special wards and alteration of boundaries which do not involve the creation, dissolution, division or merger of cities, towns or villages or the alteration of their boundaries shall be decided, on the basis of an application from the relevant special ward(s) and after consultation with the assembly of the To, by the Governor of the To, who shall immediately make notification of the same to the Minister of Home Affairs.
2.
Prior to the creation, dissolution, division or merger of special wards in accordance with the preceding paragraph, the governor of the To shall consult with and obtain the approval of the Minister of Home Affairs.
3.
The alteration of boundaries of special wards that will affect the boundary between the To and Do, Fu or Ken shall be decided on by the Minister of Home Affairs on the basis of an application from the special ward(s) and the ordinary local public body concerned.
4.
Any disposition of property necessitated under paragraph 1 shall be determined by consultation between the special wards concerned, and disposition of property necessitated under the preceding paragraph shall be determined by consultation between the special ward(s), cities, towns and villages concerned.
5.
The applications and consultations in paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 shall be put to the vote of the assemblies of the special wards and ordinary local public bodies concerned.
6.
When the Minister of Home Affairs has received notification under paragraph 1 or taken action according to paragraph 3, he or she shall immediately make a public announcement of the same and shall also inform the chiefs of national administrative agencies concerned.
7.
Actions taken under paragraphs 1 or 3 shall be made effective by the announcement prescribed in the preceding paragraph.
8.
The creation of a special ward incorporating the whole or part of the area of cities, towns and villages within the To shall be determined, on the basis of an application by the cities, towns and villages concerned and after a vote by the assembly of the To, by the governor of the To, who shall immediately notify the Minister of Home Affairs of the same.
