Oshōoshō / 和尚

An honorific title for a senior Buddhist monk qualified to teach and guide disciples.

Oshō is an honorific derived from the Sanskrit "upādhyāya" (teacher), reserved for monks of sufficient training and virtue to guide disciples. The pronunciation varies by sect: "oshō" in Zen, "kashō" in Tendai, and "wajō" in Shingon. In everyday speech, "oshō-san" is a friendly term for monks in general.

Originally, only monks who had completed prescribed years of training could claim this title. Other sectarian terms include "rōshi" (old master) in Zen and "go-inge" in Jōdo Shinshū. The colloquial term "bōzu" (bonze) derives from "bō" (monks' quarters) — the master of the quarters.

• Gūji gūji / 宮司

  The highest-ranking priest and chief administrator of a shrine.

• Negi negi / 禰宜

  A shrine priest ranking directly below the chief priest, assisting in rituals and daily operations.

• Gon-negi gon-negi / 権禰宜

  A junior priest who assists the negi, typically an entry-level position for newly ordained shrine staff.

• Miko miko / 巫女

  A female attendant at a shrine who assists with rituals, performs sacred dances, and serves at the amulet counter.

• Jūshoku jūshoku / 住職

  The chief priest and administrator of a Buddhist temple, responsible for all religious and operational affairs.

• Oshō oshō / 和尚

  An honorific title for a senior Buddhist monk qualified to teach and guide disciples.

• Sōryo sōryo / 僧侶

  A general term for ordained Buddhist monks and nuns who have renounced secular life for religious practice.

• Ujiko ujiko / 氏子

  A local resident who belongs to and supports the community shrine as a member of its parish.