Home
Back

Dear visitor, if you know the answer to this question, please post it. Thank you!

Note that this thread has not been updated in a long time, and its content might not be up-to-date anymore.

Who are miko? 2014/7/21 10:06
I've noticed when visiting shrines that there tend to be a lot of young girls working there.
Coming from Europe it is normal back home for churches to be staffed by little old ladies. It seems strange for young girls to be involved with a stodgy old shrine.
I am wondering then. Typically Who are these people? Daughters of the priests ? Weirdly traditional girls? Randomers who just needed any part time job and miko was on the board along with working in a bar?
by not another one (guest)  

Re: Who are miko? 2014/7/21 12:53
Major shrines are probably an exception, but generally it's a baito like any other, I have several friends who have done it.
by Firas rate this post as useful

Re: Who are miko? 2014/7/21 15:04
Mikos are assistant staffs of "Kannushi"(the person responsible for the maintenance of a Shinto shrine).
Some Mikos are daughters of Kannushi, but, mostly they are from outside Kannushi family working as part-time workers(paid-job). The demand for Miko is high because of they can wear a traditional costume, no hard labor and standard wages. The job is offered at employment services and sometimes on newspaper.
Miko's retirement age is earlier. They begin the job 18 or 20 years old then retire by the late 20s of their age. Therefore you only see young mikos.
by tokyo friend 48 rate this post as useful

Re: Who are miko? 2014/7/21 18:18
Young Miko girls are "baito*(part time)" most
high-school or college students (with black hair : 15-22yd) usual
for just assistant work(sales,helps and sometimes dance performance) most.
Some older Miko(under 10%) are regular worker with monthly salary.
So all Miko are not like Ama[尼] or Sisters systems and rules.

Seasonal Miko baito is very famous in Japan
bc they like traditional kimono[white/red*] cos feels very lovely(cute)
and for good special memories[pics/movie] of own life.
Watch TV anime "Gingitsune[ぎんぎつね]" recommend.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gingitsune

*)
(aru-)baito[(アル)バイト] means shorty of "arbeit" in German.
In Japan using as part time/short days job usual.

*)
This red is wrong.
Hakama(long skirt) color is 朱色[syu-iro] or 緋色[hi-iro] usual.
朱 is "vermilion" 緋 is "scarlet" so not regular red like traffic stop signal lights.
Most travelers felt just regular red usual but not same special meaning red.
This red meant high class(not highest) workers wear color in over 1300 years ago
so keeping traditional styles over 1300 years special color red.
by nos-now (guest) rate this post as useful

reply to this thread