Priests & Staff
Jūshoku
The chief priest and administrator of a Buddhist temple, responsible for all religious and operational affairs.
The jūshoku (formally "jūji") is the head priest of a temple — the title literally means "one who resides and upholds the dharma." Each temple has one jūshoku who leads daily devotions, conducts funerals and memorial services, visits parishioners, and maintains the temple grounds.
Like shrines, temples face a serious succession crisis. Of Japan's approximately 77,000 temples, an estimated 20,000 now stand without a resident priest. Some younger priests have responded by transforming their temples into community hubs — hosting cafés, yoga classes, and cultural events to reinvigorate the role of the temple in modern society.
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Gūji
The highest-ranking priest and chief administrator of a shrine.
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Negi
A shrine priest ranking directly below the chief priest, assisting in rituals and daily operations.
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Gon-negi
A junior priest who assists the negi, typically an entry-level position for newly ordained shrine staff.
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Miko
A female attendant at a shrine who assists with rituals, performs sacred dances, and serves at the amulet counter.
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Jūshoku
The chief priest and administrator of a Buddhist temple, responsible for all religious and operational affairs.
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Oshō
An honorific title for a senior Buddhist monk qualified to teach and guide disciples.
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Sōryo
A general term for ordained Buddhist monks and nuns who have renounced secular life for religious practice.
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Ujiko
A local resident who belongs to and supports the community shrine as a member of its parish.
