Kamunushi

A kamunushi is the head priest of a shrine. It is their job to act as a medium or intermediary for a kami. They also perform purification rituals, exorcisims, and oversee the upkeep of the shrine to the satisfaction of the kami. The role is often inherited within families who are the caretakers of an individual shrine. For example, the kamunishi of Yoshida Shrine is always a male member of the Yoshida clan. Yoshida Okikage, the current head priest, took over the role when his father fell ill.