Miko
みこ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Service Occupations
- Middle : Other Service Occupations
- Minor : Service Occupations Not Elsewhere Classified
Summary
An occupation at shrines that assists in rituals, handles the operation of ceremonies and shrine grounds management, and engages in traditional events such as kagura dance.
Description
A miko belongs to a shrine and assists Shinto priests and chief priests in preparing and operating rituals and ceremonies. Specifically, this includes assisting in the chanting of norito, performing purification rites and kagura dance, providing exorcisms and distributing amulets to worshippers, and cleaning the shrine grounds. They also play a significant role as inheritors of traditional culture, participating in seasonal festivals, weddings, and various other Shinto rites such as warding off misfortune. In recent years, they may also be required to provide tourist guidance, introduce amulets, and disseminate information via SNS.
Future Outlook
While there is a possibility of business contraction due to decreasing shrine visitors, steady demand is maintained through tourism promotion and interest in traditional culture. The active role of mikos equipped with foreign language skills and information dissemination abilities is expected.
Personality Traits
Calm and composed / Has a dignified demeanor / Polite and courteous / Sociable
Work Style
Career Path
Concurrent miko → Permanent miko → Shinto priest qualification acquisition → Chief priest / Associate priest
Required Skills
Chanting of norito / Etiquette and manners / Performance of miko dance (kagura) / Shrine operations assistance
Recommended Skills
Customer service manners / Foreign language support (English) / Japanese attire dressing / Knowledge of traditional culture
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Accurate manners and recitation of prayers are required. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | Needs to accurately memorize rituals, but logical thinking is not particularly required. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Rituals and manners are prescribed, so creativity is not particularly needed. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Mathematical tasks such as inventory management are minimal. |
| Problem Solving | Unexpected situations are rare, and specialized problem-solving skills are not particularly required. |
Aliases
- Shinto priest assistant
- Shrine miko
Related Jobs
- Chief priest
- Shinto priest