A love of Japanese culture
A genuine wish to value Japanese culture and continue knowing and feeling it more deeply.
01
ABOUT THE AMBASSADOR
About the Miko Ambassador
An official ambassador who loves, learns, feels, and shares Japanese culture through everyday life and public activity.
MIKO巫
A CULTURAL BRIDGE
Creating new encounters with Japanese culture.
Miko Ambassadors are cultural communicators selected and appointed by the Japan Cultural Heritage Association. Through shrines, festivals, cultural events, miko dance, traditional arts, and social media, they create new encounters with living culture.
The Miko Ambassador program is part of the Japanese Cultural Heritage Project organized by the Japan Cultural Heritage Association. About the Japanese Cultural Heritage Project
Specialist knowledge is not required. Loving Japanese culture—and wanting more people to discover it—is where the journey begins.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITY
What official appointment means.
Official ambassadors are cultural communicators selected and appointed by the Japan Cultural Heritage Association. This does not indicate endorsement by all shrines or public authorities, or affiliation with an individual shrine.
Ambassador appointment, shrine service, teaching, and Miko Kentei qualifications have separate roles and requirements. Appointment alone does not grant a qualification to serve at a shrine or teach.
The program includes learning about Shinto cultural context and conduct. The activity guidelines prohibit using the program for religious recruitment or soliciting religious donations. Check each activity notice or contact the association about participation in worship or rituals.
Ambassadors respect the customs and communication policies of each shrine, always following local guidance first.
WHAT WE VALUE
What we ask of every ambassador.
You can apply without prior service as a shrine miko or specialist knowledge. Respect for culture and a willingness to learn matter, and knowledge and skills can grow through the program.
Courtesy and respect
A willingness to honour each person and place through thoughtful conduct and language.
Care for others
The ability to consider cultural stewards, partners, and fellow ambassadors in every action.
A desire to carry culture forward
The motivation to share what you feel in your own voice and connect it with future generations.
THE ASSOCIATION
About the association
The Japan Cultural Heritage Association creates opportunities to encounter Japanese culture under the principle ‘From knowing Japanese culture to feeling it.’ Through priest and miko experiences, miko dance classes, Miko Kentei, traditional performing arts and craft experiences, corporate programs, and education, it carries the value of Japanese culture to future generations.
To cultivate the heart through culture, we understand Shinto as a spiritual source of Japanese culture and value embodied knowledge—learning through direct experience, not the intellect alone. As gesture settles, breath settles; as breath settles, the heart settles. We seek to bring that experience into daily life so individual wellbeing can grow into harmony across families, communities, society, and the world.
Visit the association’s official websitePROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES
Program and practical support responsibilities
- Japan Cultural Heritage Association
- Operates the program, makes selection decisions, and appoints ambassadors. Contact the association about eligibility and program policies.
- First Innovation Inc.
- Provides website production and recruitment administration support within the scope agreed with the association.
APPLICATION 2026
Bring Japanese culture into daily life.
Bring the wisdom of Japanese culture into everyday life and make each day richer and more joyful. Will you take the first step?
