Teshio as a village came together with the indigenous Ainu People, who set up the village because of its useful geography. The large river that runs out into the Sea of Japan, being the Teshio River, made for a bountiful living area. The abundant fishing that came from the Teshio River and the Sea of Japan, as well as the fertile ground made this a prime location. Japanese immigration started to pick up in the late 1800’s, and in the year 1919, Teshio became an established town.

Located in northwestern Hokkaido along the Sea of Japan, features flat terrain, sandy beaches, and the prominent Teshio River. The town experiences a humid continental climate, with very snowy winters and mild summers. The average winter temperature ranges from 23°F to 14°F. Winters are characterized by heavy snowfall and strong coastal winds, while summers are short and pleasant.

Teshio's economy is driven by agriculture, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing. The town is particularly known for its fishing industry, which includes shijimi clam harvesting and coastal fishing for species such as herring, flounder, and crab. Teshio, with its fertile farming soil, has many families that will farm rice, grain, soy beans, and even have dairy farms. Additionally, Teshio benefits from large-scale regional energy projects, such as the nearby Kita Toyotomi Substation, which is set to house one of the world's largest storage battery facilities.

Teshio has local schools all the way up to high school. The closest University, however, is Hokkaido University in Sapporo almost 200 miles away. This means more times than not, young adults move away from Teshio. The social work force is unique in Japan. On the island of Hokkaido, which Teshio is located in, social workers (Police, teachers, etc) relocate every few years. Because of this, people are constantly moving to Teshio, and moving away from Teshio.

Shintoism in Teshio is expressed by local culture and traditions. Local shrines honor kami (deities or spirits) associated with natural elements like rivers and forests. Seasonal festivals, such as those celebrating spring planting or autumn harvests, often include rituals, offerings, and community celebrations. Hokkaido as a whole is a more traditional area of Japan, and has a strong focus on ancestry worship. Shinto practices also emphasize daily rituals, community participation, and respect for nature, reinforcing harmony within the town, but also brings deep confusion of the truth. Because of community ties, gaining trust among the people takes time, and having a positive spiritual influence must be built over consistency. Much prayer is needed to break down the strong Shintoist hold, so that the Gospel can be brought to these people.