Shikokuchūō is located in eastern Ehime Prefecture, with the Hoō Mountains to the south and the Gulf of Hiuchi of the Seto Inland Sea to the north.

In the first half of the 7th century, the Umamukaiyama Kofun, which has one of the largest stone burial chambers in Shikoku, was built.

Due to its strategic importance, during the Sengoku period Uma was repeatedly invaded by the neighboring warlords.

Industry began to flourish in Uma during the Edo period, and the city grew as a port town.

Following the Meiji restoration, the area was divided into 25 villages with the establishment of the modern municipalities system on December 15, 1889.

[citation needed] Shikokuchūō has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 22 members.

In terms of national politics, Shikokuchūō is part of Ehime 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

[9] Shikokuchūō is one of the major industrial cities in the Ehime and Shikoku regions, and is one of Japan's leading paper manufacturing areas.

[2] The history of the paper industry in Shikokuchūō extends back to around 1750, when washi was first produced in the Uma area.

[10] The modern paper industry began to flourish when mechanized manufacturing techniques were developed in the Meiji era.

After World War II, the paper industry contributed to the city's rapid economic growth.

Shikoku Railway Company - Yosan Line The Buddhist monk Junshin dwelt here after he was expelled from Tosa province (modern day Kochi).

As is described in the lyrics of the Yosakoi naruko dancing song, Junshin had an illicit affair with a comb-maker's daughter, and the two of them attempted to elope.

[7] The Toguzan kofun is said to be the grave of crown prince Kinashi no Karu no Miko,[citation needed] son of the nineteenth emperor, who in the Kojiki was banished to Iyo by his brother.

In Shikokuchūō, the road starts in Kawanoe, passes through Shingu, and continues to Sasagamine ridge in Otoyo Town, Kochi.