We discussed the development of rural planning theory in late Taisho and early Showa period, paying special attention to the framework of rural planning proposed by Nobuyoshi Yamazaki. Yamazaki's proposal had the following features: 1) the rural area was regarded as a unique space, which required its own planning institution, in contraposition to urban area where city planning had been put in place, 2) both vertical and horizontal integration and coordination of rural administrative plans were necessary, in order for such planning institution to work effectively, and 3) proposed framework of rural planning also included the improvement of living environment as one of important areas along with economic development, which, presumably, was the influence of municipal socialism of the western society.