Situated on the Atsumi Peninsula in southeastern Aichi Prefecture of Japan, the city of Tahara overlooks the Pacific Ocean, bounded on the north by Mikawa Bay and on the south by the Philippine Sea. The modern city of Tahara was established on August 20, 2003, in what is dubbed as the largest of all municipal mergers during the Heisei period (1989-present), between the former town of Tahara and the town of Akabane. On October 1, 2005, it was further expanded by absorbing the town of Atsumi. As of November 30, 2016, the city had a population of 63,499. It covers an area of 188.81 sq km.

The town of Tahara prospered as a major agricultural producer before (around) 1965, or the 40th year of the Showa period (1926-1989), when the Tahara Industrial Site began to take shape along the coast of the East Mikawa region. The industrial zone, which to date has occupied about 100 hectares of reclaimed land for industrial use, has attracted a large influx of businesses, the largest of which is a Toyota plant. The town has since experienced a rapid growth.

Agriculture still dominates the economy of Akabane, which benefits a lot from its mild climate. The aggregate area of its farmland amounts to 1,160 hectares, or 49% of the town's total area. About 63% of its population is engaged in the agricultural sector. The town is particularly famous as a national leader in the supply of chrysanthemum plants (grown under artificial lighting), honey dew melons, tomatoes, ornamental foliage plants and potted plants. Villagers on the Pacific side of the town mainly live on the fishing of mackerels and small sardines. Akabane is also home to many small workshops that specialize in auto parts and agricultural equipment, as well as many retail shops that cater for the needs of local residents.