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06
APPLICATION
How to Apply
Due to popular demand, a second Miko Ambassador intake is now open. Applications will be accepted for approximately 14 days. Review the program details and apply using the application form.
CURRENT STATUS
Due to popular demand, a second intake is now open.
The second intake is open for approximately 14 days, with first-stage reviews and second-stage interviews starting during the application period. Up to 20 ambassadors will be selected. Activities are planned from around January 2027 for one year in principle. Review the outline and schedule, then apply using the form below.
There are no application or registration fees, and basic activities are unpaid. Ordinary activity expenses and interview travel and accommodation are generally at your expense. Review the conditions, including the learning opportunities provided without charge. Review the role and participation conditions
Open application form
Google Forms opens in a new tab. Review your answers and the consent requirements before submitting.
SELECTION SCHEDULE
Application & selection schedule
- Second intake: applications
- Approximately 14 days from opening
- First intake: social media review
- October 5–28, 2026
- First intake: online interviews
- October 12–November 2, 2026 (as scheduled)
- Second intake: social media review
- Starts on a rolling basis during the application period
- Second intake: online interviews
- Starts on a rolling basis during the application period
- Third stage: final selection for both intakes
- Latter half of November 2026 (planned)
The first and second intakes are application rounds. Selection has three stages: social media review, online interview, and final selection.
The first-intake social media review will run through October 28, 2026. Applicants who pass will be invited to second-stage online interviews on a rolling basis.
For the second intake, first-stage social media reviews and second-stage online interviews will begin on a rolling basis while applications are still open.
Third-stage final selection is planned for the latter half of November 2026, bringing together applicants who pass the second stage from both intakes.
Final selection is planned as an in-person interview in Tokyo. The specific date and venue will be provided individually. Selection dates may change depending on application volume.
AFTER APPOINTMENT
After appointment, share what you learn.
Learn about culture and introduce verified information and insights from experience in your own words through social media or other channels. Examples include explaining a shrine’s history, describing a cultural experience, or introducing an association event with its official information.
- Planned start
- Around January 2027 (planned)
- Planned term
- One year in principle (planned)
PROGRAM 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.
ROLE & PARTICIPATION
Understand the role and conditions before applying.
Review the program’s role and the practical details needed to decide whether to apply. Confirm individual conditions with the association before applying.
Eligibility and cost information
Published conditions and details that require confirmation are shown separately. Confirm unpublished conditions before applying.
- Social media accountPublished
- Use your own public Instagram or X account. Keep it public during selection and the ambassador term, with DMs enabled.
- Experience and specialist knowledgePublished
- Prior employment or service as a shrine miko and specialist knowledge are not required.
- Age, gender, residence, and languagePublished
- Selection values alignment with the association’s principles, respect for culture, willingness to learn, and the motivation to stay involved, rather than judging by age or gender alone. Applications are welcome from across Japan. Japanese sufficient to communicate with the association and understand training is the basic language requirement. Foreign-language skills are not mandatory, but sharing culture in other languages is also welcome.
- Applications from minorsPublished
- Minors may apply with a parent’s or guardian’s consent. Activities will be discussed with the association with consideration for studies and safety.
- Application and registration feesPublished
- There are no application or registration fees. Activity expenses are handled separately, so please also review who pays those costs.
- CompensationPublished
- Basic ambassador activities do not carry monetary compensation. There is generally no fixed payment for routine introductions, coverage, or cultural communication. If the association separately commissions a performance, production, or event operation, its policy is to discuss payment and conditions separately from basic activities.
- Ordinary activity expensesPublished
- Ordinary expenses, such as travel and purchasing items, are generally paid by the ambassador. The association’s policy is to cover costs, including travel, for promotional events to which it invites ambassadors. Eligible expenses, arrangements, and reimbursement will be explained individually with the invitation.
- Learning opportunities without chargePublished
- Miko experience sessions and dance classes with no limit on attendance, Miko Kentei examination fees from beginner to advanced level, and selected association study sessions and workshops are included. Conditions for retakes, textbooks, and materials will be provided separately. Instructor-training fees, instructor certification assessments, and instructor qualifications are excluded.
- Clothing loansDetails to follow
- Clothing loans are planned to require advance consultation with the association about the activity and place of use. Eligible activities, any loan, shipping, or cleaning charges, return deadlines, and damage conditions will be provided separately. Clothing loans and costume costs for all activities are not automatically included among the free benefits.
- Interview travel and accommodationPublished
- Travel and accommodation for the third-stage in-person interview are at your own expense.
- Frequency and required participationOnce confirmed
- The six activities are themes for cultural communication. Responsibilities will be adjusted to your location, strengths, and available opportunities. Ambassadors are not expected to carry out all six every month. Training dates, activity frequency, and required or optional participation will be announced once confirmed. The form asks for a sustainable estimate of posting frequency, not a commitment to post at that frequency.
- Second-intake dates and closing timeConfirm with the association
- The second intake accepts applications for approximately 14 days. Check the application form’s latest information for the closing time and current availability.
Appointment and the scope of activities
- Appointment and role
- 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.
- Shinto culture and religious recruitment
- 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.
- Communication with audiences abroad
- Sharing culture with audiences abroad through social media is separate from overseas travel, assignments, or performances. Appointment does not guarantee overseas travel or performance opportunities.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
A thoughtful start begins before the form.
Reverence for culture and a sincere willingness to keep learning are at the heart of this program. Please review the following before applying.
01
Review the association’s mission and the ambassador role
02
Understand the program and planned activities
03
Read the eligibility and selection process
04
Consider the area of Japanese culture you hope to share
05
Review your public social profile and existing content
WHAT TO PREPARE
What to prepare for your application.
Use these items to prepare. Please check the application form for the actual questions and consent requirements.
Motivation
Why you want to join and what culture means to you
Story theme
The area of Japanese culture you hope to explore
Social profile
Your public Instagram or X profile URL, with DMs enabled
Participation
A realistic rhythm and way you can contribute
APPLICATION NOTES
Before submitting your application.
These important notices also appear in the application form. Please review them before submitting.
- Apply using a public Instagram or X account that you operate yourself. Keep it public throughout selection and the ambassador term, and check DMs and message requests regularly.
- Travel and accommodation for the in-person interview are at your own expense.
- False or incomplete application information may result in exclusion from selection.
- An appointment may be revoked if false application information is discovered, a serious false declaration is made, or a serious breach of the activity terms occurs, including after appointment.
SELECTION CONTACT
Selection results and notifications
Selection proceeds while applications are open. Only applicants who pass each stage will be invited to the next stage, on a rolling basis. The Japan Cultural Heritage Association makes selection decisions and appointments. Schedule changes will be announced on this website.
Notifications are sent by DM on your selected platform from the official accounts below, as listed in the application information. Enable DMs and check message requests regularly.
