Neighborhood Associations (chonaikai) are organizations for a neighborhood area (`cho’) that serve as a liaison between the local government and the city’s residents.

They aim to further cooperation between each community’s residents and build a strong local community where residents can live peacefully.

A neighborhood association’s activities include environmental improvement, guidance for senior citizens’ associations and children’s associations, notification of events, and delivery of government notices.

Neighborhood Association membership is optional, but provides a good opportunity to get to know your neighbors and build friendships with them.

The membership fee for your Neighbourhood Association helps to maintain the street lampposts, garbage stations, and crime prevention patrols in your communities.