Abstract
From a view point of the component unit and the principle of formation, we try to make frame of reference to classify little communities, especially village communities in Japan, using the axis of coordinates. The “ie” and the household as the component units can be situated at both poles of Y axis. The “mura” and administrative area as the principle of formation can be placed at both poles of X axis. Then the plain is divided into four quadrants. By these four quadrants Japanese rural communities can be classified into four types. Quadrant Ⅰ is consisted of “ie” and “mura” , Ⅱ is consisted of “ie” and administrative area, the Ⅲ is consisted of households and administrative district, and the Ⅳ is consisted of households and “mura”.
