Shrine Shinto is a form of the Shinto religion.[1] It has two main varieties: State Shinto, a pre-World War II variant, and another centered on Shinto shrines after World War II, in which ritual rites are the center of belief, conducted by an organization of clergy.[2][1]
Today, the term Shinto usually refers to Shrine Shinto. Shrines throughout Japan serve as places of worship. Until 1945 all Shinto shrines were under the jurisdiction of the Institute of Divinities, an external department of the Home Ministry. The Shinto Directive issued by the GHQ in December 1945 abolished the Institute of Divinities, which was reorganized as one religious corporation, the Association of Shinto Shrines.
Shinto shrines and Shinto rituals are performed in accordance with sacred texts such as Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. The Kannushi are in charge of the rituals, holding positions such as priests, priests-in-charge, and administer the rituals. The miko of Shinto shrines are not included in the priesthood. A Kagura dancer may participate in Shinto rituals, but may not preside over or perform Shinto rituals.