Brief Introduction of Toba

*Location*
	Toba is located almost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean side of Japan in the Mie Prefecture. Mie prefecture is about 105.6 miles long from north to south. The varied coastline in the southern part forms a shape called a "saw tooth coastline" and there are several mountainous regions, which include the famous Suzuka Mountains and Mt. Odaigahara. Mt. Odaigahara is particularly famous as a "treasure house of virgin forests". 　Located in the southern part of Mie, Toba is blessed with mild oceanic climates, a beautiful saw tooth coastline, and four islands (which approximately 20% of the population lives). 　The land area facing the Pacific Ocean, includes fisheries which are major industries. Rice cultivation in the plains, (including the Ise Plain), is also a significant industry to Toba.
*History*
Toba used to be called"TOMARIURA", but from about 1500, people started to call the town"Toba". In those days, Toba was prosperous as a convenient port for sailing ships to anchor during voyages between east and west Japan. Due to the geographical location of the islands the sea was calm and allowed for convenient trips, especially between Tokyo (then called Edo) and Osaka. As a waiting port, Toba played an important role because sailing ships were mainly used. Since sailing ships were easily affected by climate conditions like wind, they would wait at Toba until the wind passed or cleared. 　There is a small mountain called "HIYORIYAMA" which is used as a lookout point for the weather and tide, and from there, one can see over to Ise Bay. 　In 1911, the Japan National Railroad line was extended to Toba from Ise. 　In 1954, one town and seven villages merged into a new city, and thus our city Toba was born.　　Toba was designated as an international tourist and cultural city in 1977 and is so well known that about five million tourists visit Toba each year.
*Industries*
Today, the population of Toba is about 23,500. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries are the primary industries, manufacturing industries are secondary, and commerce, and service trades are tertiary. The labor population in Toba is classified as primary-15%, Secondary- 20%, and Tertiary- 65%. 　*The fisheries and the agricultural industry are currently facing a serious situation. On the other hand, seaweed (nori, wakame), and oyster farming, is flourishing.* 　Speaking of culture, Kokichi Mikimoto (1858-1954)succeeded in culturing semi .spherical pearls in 1893 and complete spherical pearls in 1905. Kokichi Mikimoto, "the Pearl King of the World" is also famous as an inventor for many distinguished services. One can see his lasting contributions, passions and efforts at Mikimoto Pearl Island, the birthplace of the complete spherical pearl. http://www.mikimoto-pearl-museum.co.jp/ 　In addition to Mikimoto Pearl Island, there are many attractions such as Toba Aquarium, and sightseeing boat trips to the nearby islands. 　In Toba City there are about 220 hotels, inns, and lodgings that can accommodate approximately 19,000 guests at a time. At present about 2,000,000 visitors stay overnight at accommodations in Toba each year. They stay at Western style hotels, Japanese style hotels, or inns called minsyuku, and enjoy the fresh seafood Toba has to offer.
*Toba's Present Situation*
The Japanese administrative system is now in the process of decentralizing, with more responsibilities being transferred from the central to local governments. Due to this situation we try to disclose as much information to the public, as well as integrate public opinion into our administrative policies. By doing so, we hope to make our city more comfortable for elderly and disabled people, as well as attract more visitors.

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