Miko
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A miko, or shrine maiden, is a young priestess who works at a Shinto shrine. Miko were once likely seen as shamans, but are understood in modern Japanese culture to be an institutionalized role in dai
Modern miko in Meiji Shrine, Tokyo, in 2000
Miko perform Shinto ceremony near the Kamo River in 2006
Miko (c. 1895) in ceremonial costume, including torikabuto (tall phoenix hat), purple cording, tabard, long robe with train and large hand fan
Original lithograph book plate with caption
Shinto priest
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Shinto priests are members of the clergy at a Shinto shrine responsible for maintaining the shrine and leading worship of the kami there. In Japanese, they are also commonly referred to as kannushi. T
Miko
…including the reception of oracles (takusen) while in a state of spirit possession; this role was gradually assumed instead by male ritual specialists, kannushi, hafuri, and negi, with miko progressively relegated to positions subordinate to them. A further distinction should be drawn between miko historically…
A Shinto priest wearing a jōe being accompanied by two miko
A Shinto priest in full dress, Katori Shrine
A Shinto priest wearing a kariginu and an eboshi hat