The area has been inhabited since the Japanese Paleolithic, due to the abundance of raw materials for stone tools from Mount Nijō.

During the Asuka period, the Takeuchi Kaido, one of Japan's first "official roads", which connected the port of Sakai with Yamato Province was constructed.

The villages of Isonaga and Yamada were established within Ishikawa District with the creation of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889.

Taishi collectively with the cities of Tondabayashi and Ōsakasayama, and other municipalities of Minamikawachi District contributes two members to the Osaka Prefectural Assembly.

In terms of national politics, the town is part of Osaka 15th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.