A Shinto priest, known as a "kannushi," is a religious leader in the Shinto faith, which is the indigenous spirituality of Japan. These priests perform rituals and ceremonies at shrines, where they honor the kami, or spirits, that are central to Shinto beliefs. Their duties include conducting weddings, festivals, and purification rites, as well as maintaining the shrine's sacred spaces. Shinto priests often wear traditional garments, such as a white kimono and a colored hakama. They may also use various tools, like the gohei, a ritual wand, during ceremonies. The role of a Shinto priest is vital for preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of Japan.