Male Maiden at Shinto Temple?
- By Alison Lesley --
- 03 Dec 2017 --
The lack of punctuation resulted in this hilarious error
Japanese social media went aflutter when one person posted a photo of a large poster installed at the Koura Grand Shrine[/tweetit] located in Fukuoka, Kyushu. At first glance, the Shinto shrine appears to solicit applications for male shrine maidens. This is unusual as although shrines frequently hire part-time groundskeepers and sales assistants, especially during the peak holiday season, hiring male shrine maidens are unheard of. There is a cultural aspect to this hiring-it is believed this action brings with it good luck.
Male Maiden at Shinto Temple?[/tweetthis]
The sign at the Koura Grand Shrine informed the reader that it is recruiting shrine maidens and without any gap, male staff. The absence of punctuation made many readers assume that the shrine wishes to appoint a male shrine maiden with a love of cross-dressing. This is not a far-fetched idea as a number of shrines cater to anime fans with phone accessories made in the shrine maiden moe-style. It is natural that almost an equal number of the audience were excited and perplexed.
Mikos has generally served as shrine mediums, shamans, ritual dancers, and spirit mediums. They are involved in religious duties independently of affiliation with any specific shrine. During Japan's past, they used to travel around the country performing what was then thought of as magic. They assisted in religious prayers. The Mikos are often unmarried virgins serving as vehicles for the divine revelations. Their present role in 21st century Japan is much fewer. Their duties are mostly confined to helping the male priests. They also clean the temple compound and sell amulets at shrine shop. Women can apply and train to be a Shinto priest. No special certifications are needed for this job.
The more logical section of the Japanese public was quick to point out the obvious: the advertisement was most likely for hiring shrine maidens and also male workers for part-time positions. Some of the more grammatically correct among them went to the shrine's web page. Their suspicions were soon confirmed. The shrine has actually advertised for two posts.
Anime fans are disappointed as they will not see any guy tooled up in Miko apparel in 2017. The idea, however, has now germinated inside their heads and thus there are hopes for future developments. Whatever happens, those who want to see themselves in priestess wear could buy online from traders who know exactly what customers want.
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