Tobishima is a small village with a population of less than 5000, which has developed around the rich nature of the countryside with value-added farm products such as rice, wheat, open-field vegetables, greenhouse vegetables, and flowers. At the same time, Tobishima has developed strong coastal industries serving the port of Nagoya, with container ports, lumber and steel industries, and a thermal power station.

Tobishima is located in the Aichi Prefecture approximately 165 miles (265 km) southwest of Tokyo, on the Pacific Ocean side of Honshu Island. It is short drive from the port city of Nagoya. Tobishima Village covers an area 8.7 square miles and is bordered on the east by the Nikko River.

Tobishima Village was born in 1693 as new rice fields from reclaimed land. Life has evolved around the coexistence and constant battle against water. In 1959, a powerful typhoon and high tides caused devastating damage through the entire village. It was rebuilt and has grown to the village it is today.

Lifelong education is a focus of the community. Tobishima provides places and opportunities for everyone from children to adults to keep learning. The city offers a community center, library, sports complex, library, cultural association with 31 clubs, and numerous parks and playgrounds.

As the globalization of society, business and culture expands, residents of Tobishima are encouraged to develop an international perspective. Since 1991, Tobishima Village has sent delegations of second-year junior high school students to California. The aim is to provide future generations with first-hand experiences in culture and life in foreign countries. Rio Vista has been part of the program for many years and now as their Sister City, includes home stay and school programs for Tobishima students.