Naishi was the female priest (shrine maiden) of Itsukushimajinja shrine, being in charge of not only the religious services but also do some performances including singing Imayo song and showing a bugaku dance to relieve a nobleman who was confining himself in the shrine for prayer from the tedium of a journey.
厳島神社の女性神職（巫女）で、神事のほかに、同神社に参籠する貴人の旅情を慰めるために今様を朗詠したり舞楽などを行った。