園田実 · そのだ みのる · people

Sonoda Minoru

Kokugakuin scholar-priest of Chichibu Jinja, born in 1936.

Definition

Sonoda Minoru (b. 1936) is a contemporary scholar-priest affiliated with Kokugakuin University, where he focuses on the traditions and rituals associated with Chichibu Jinja, a significant Shinto shrine in Saitama Prefecture. His work often explores the local roots of Shinto practices and the shrine's role in the community. As a scholar, Sonoda has contributed to the understanding of local Shinto practices while also emphasizing the importance of preserving these traditions in the face of modernization.

Etymology

The surname 'Sonoda' is composed of '園' meaning 'park' or 'garden,' and '田' meaning 'field,' suggesting a connection to nature.