Since 1964, the Hitotsubashi University Institute of Economic Research Documentation Center for Japanese Economic Statistics has been engaged in the survey and collection of county, town and village planning and policy documents dispersed all over Japan, including the uncovering of new material and the resulting collection is now one of the finest at the Center. The makeup and content of these Gunshi/Chosonze resources vary according to era and region, but in their basic form, broadly speaking they consist of a “current status” section compiled to offer a picture of the current situation in villages and including various statistical charts; a “reference” section detailing the particulars of village industries, and any noteworthy points for reference, and a “future” section setting out policies for the development of town and village communities.
Japan's modern history is now a popular subject for study, and this is an excellent, highly-recommended resource that sheds new light on the economic history of the country's regions and agricultural villages.