The shrine's priests number around sixteen, ranging from the head priest to priests-in-training fresh from one of the universities specializing in Shinto studies. Although the public sees these indiviuals as devoted ritual specialists, they are as individualistic in their lifestyles and opinions as any working man or woman.
I have discussed the Shinto priesthood at length in Enduring Identities and in A Year in the Life of a Shinto Shrine.
All photos and text © Copyright John K. Nelson, 1999