Chokusaisha

What is a "Chokusaisha"?

Since ancient times, chokushis ("勅使"), imperial envoys, were sent to shrines those were highly venerated by the Imperial Court as a representative of the Emperor, to present a Gohei and recites an address to the gods. The festival held with an attendance of a chokushi is called a chokusai ("勅祭").

Usually, a chokushi is sent to shrines only in special occasions. However, a number of shrines have chokushis sent regularly, and such shrines are called a chokusaisha ("勅祭社").

In 1868, after the capital was relocated to Tōkyō, Meiji Emperor designated Hikawa shrine as a tutelary deity of Musashi province and a "Chokusaisha". This is when "Chokusaisha" was institutionalized for the first time. Also, 12 other shrines around Tokyo where designated as Jun-chokusaisha, but this system was soon abolished in 1870.

Then in 1883, the Aoi-matsuri of Kamo Wakeikazuchi shrine and Kamo Mioya shrine and the Iwashimizu-sai of Iwashimizu Hachimangū were designated as chokusais. This is the beginning of the "Chokusaisha"s those continue until today, and a total of 17 shrines were listed as a chokusaisha by 1945. Today, 16 shrines, excluding Chōsen Jingū that was abolish, are listed as chokusaishas.

Usa Jingū and Kashīgū have chokushis sent once in 10 years, and Kashima Jingū and Katori Jingū have chokushis sent once in 6 years. Other shrines have chokushis sent every year.

Since there are only 16 chokusaishas, the word is often used to portray the rank of the shrine.

A list of "Chokusaisha"s