[2] The town was established in 2006 and covers various ports and communities on the eastern half of Shōdoshima, the second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea.

[3] Shōdoshima is roughly halfway between the much larger islands of Shikoku to the south and Honshu to the north, and has a mild and relatively dry climate.

[4] Other industries include sōmen noodles, tsukudani (made with soy sauce), fishing and agriculture.

[5] Shodoshima participates in the Setouchi Triennale, a regional art festival,[8] and the mountainous interior is home to Kankakei Gorge.

The book and film Twenty-Four Eyes was set on the island, and a movie studio park and museum attracts visitors.