This study aims at revealing the original form of the government office area in local regions in the 8 th century. The research method adopted here is based on intensive examination of both historical documents and archaeological reports. The results show mainly three conclusions. First, the local government "Kokucho" was planned by the rules according to the provincial class. Second, every "Kokucho" and "Guncho" (a lower government than "Kokucho") had "Maeniwa"(Front Yard), and it was the very

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... important official place in the district. Third, this "Maeniwa" originated from "Oharidano Miya" in the 7 th century. ""Maeniwa is the essential space in the local government office area. The provincial governor ("Kokushi" or "Gunji") held official ceremonies here to demonstrate the dignity of the ancient state to the local powerful families. Therefore, though the excavation results show various planning types, it was generally accepted as central place of local government office district.