How to Use for Genealogy Research
Shinto shrines may hold “ujiko-daichō” (parishioner registers) as a rough equivalent to Buddhist kakochō. However, unlike Buddhist death registers, shrine records are generally less systematic and comprehensive; what survives varies greatly by shrine.
What Is an Ujiko-daichō?
An ujiko-daichō records the ujiko (shrine parishioners—residents of the area under the tutelary deity’s protection). Before the Meiji era, local shrine deities played a role in tracking the community. This function diminished after the modern koseki system was established.
Types of Shrine Records
- Ujiko-daichō: Household/family parishioner register (where it exists)
- Donation records for shrine renovations: Names and amounts of donors (often records family heads)
- Festival records: Names of festival organizers and coordinators
- Munafuda (ridge-pole plaques): Records of shrine construction and renovation dates and sponsors
About the Association of Shinto Shrines
Jinja Honchō is the religious corporation encompassing approximately 79,000 Shinto shrines nationwide, with Ise Grand Shrine (Jingū) as the supreme institution. Each prefecture has a Jinja-chō (prefectural shrine association) that handles shrine-related inquiries.
