The number of villages, towns and cities has fallen by 40 percent to 1,820 in the seven years since the so-called Heisei Era annexation was begun in 1999 as a means of strengthening local governments.

The latest round of mergers is the third such push in Japan's modern history, after the Meiji and Showa consolidation of villages, towns and cities in 1888 and 1953.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has said the consolidation is essential to promote the decentralization of authority.