Facts and Regional Differences of the Priests in the Northern Part of Okinawa Island: Connection between the Priests and the Priestess

A comprehensive investigation of village-level ritual prayers in the northern part of Okinawa Island reveals distinct regional differences and roles among priests, challenging the periphery propagation theory. The study identifies seven categories of priests—including public female priestesses (Noro) and male priests—and finds that male priests are predominantly paired with female priestesses, with significant variation in their role names. Unlike the southern part of Okinawa or Sakishima islands, where male priests are rare, northern Okinawa shows a higher prevalence, suggesting historical continuity rather than peripheral influence. This research provides new clues to understanding the historical transition and placement criteria of priests under royal governance.

Miyahira, M. (2021). Facts and Regional Differences of the Priests in the Northern Part of Okinawa Island: Connection between the Priests and the Priestess. The Journal of Island Studies, 22(2), 153–164. https://doi.org/10.5995/jis.22.2.153