Priests & Staff
Gūji
The highest-ranking priest and chief administrator of a shrine.
The gūji is the senior priest who oversees all aspects of shrine operations — from conducting rituals to managing administrative affairs. Each shrine has only one gūji, making this person the public face and spiritual leader of the institution. At Ise Grand Shrine, the head priest holds the elevated title of "Daigūji."
Becoming a gūji requires formal Shinto education and ranking through the Jinja Honchō (Association of Shinto Shrines). Kokugakuin University and Kōgakkan University are the two main institutions for priest training. A growing crisis of succession now affects shrines nationwide — of Japan's approximately 80,000 shrines, roughly half operate as "kenmusha" (shrines administered part-time by a priest based at another shrine).
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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.
