Chief priest
ぐうじ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Professional Occupations in Legal, Business, Cultural and Artistic Fields
- Middle : Religious Workers
- Minor : Religious Workers
Summary
Specialist who oversees shrine rituals, performs Shinto ceremonies, manages shrine operations, and coordinates with the local community.
Description
The chief priest serves as the top executive at the shrine, presiding over festivals and rituals, executing traditional ceremonies, and managing shrine operations. Handles a wide array of tasks including reciting Shinto prayers, preparing offerings, managing ritual equipment, attending to worshippers, participating in and coordinating local events. As preservers of traditional culture, they continuously study classical texts and undergo training, while also mentoring successors.
Future Outlook
Aging of chief priests is accelerating due to declining birthrates and population aging. Challenges include reorganizing local communities and developing external talent, necessitating the securing of new successors.
Personality Traits
Cautious and modest / Mentally stable / Strong sense of responsibility / Values propriety
Work Style
Community-oriented / Full-time / Seasonal work / Self-employed
Career Path
Assistant attendant → Associate priest and deputy priest → Chief priest assistant → Chief priest → Association of Shinto Shrines executive
Required Skills
Classical literature comprehension / Festival conducting / Ritual operations / Shinto prayer recitation / Shrine administration / Traditional ritual knowledge
Recommended Skills
Calligraphy / Community management / Languages (for interacting with foreigners) / Official document format comprehension
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Accuracy is demanded down to the finest details of ritual procedures and prayers. |
| Communication Skills | Frequent interactions with worshippers and local stakeholders require strong interpersonal skills. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Must continuously study Shinto doctrines and classics to preserve traditions. |
| Planning & Organization | Required to oversee preparations and operations for festivals and events. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Centered mainly on standardized rituals, with few opportunities for novel ideas. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Primarily involves basic accounting and daily calculations; no advanced mathematical analysis required. |
Related Qualifications
- Shinto priest qualification (certified by the Association of Shinto Shrines)
Aliases
- Shinto priest
- kannushi
Related Jobs
- Associate priest
- Deputy priest
- Shrine maiden