Miko were traditionally religious oracles in Japan who had great political influence in ancient times. While less influential today, miko still assist in major shrine functions like performing ceremonial dances, offering fortune telling, and selling souvenirs. Contemporary miko are often university students earning a modest wage in a part-time or temporary position, with requirements that one must be female and below the age of 25 with at least a high school education to work as a miko.

1. MIKO
traditional occupation of Japanese religious profession

2. the folk miko the palace shrine miko
In ancient times, Miko oracles have
great influence on politics. Even today,
Miko is still visible in relatively large
shrine and traditional celebration, where
they assist with shrine functions,
perform ceremonial dances, offer
omikuji fortune telling, and sell souvenirs.

4. WHO CAN BE A MIKO?
Researcher Kuly (2003:201)
describes the contemporary
miko, "A far distant relative of
her pre-modern shamanic
sister, she is most probably a
university student collecting a
modest wage in this part-time
position”.

5. As long as the completion of compulsory education,
anyone no matter who, of course female, can become a
Miko.
High degree of education is not necessary.
For various reasons, the age limit of
Miko is below 25
(vary according to the shrine).
Shrine will be more stricter to employ university
graduates because of their limit time as vocational
Miko.