The Nakatomi clan (the Onakatomi clan) had been appointed to the post for generations before modern times, and the Jingikan (Shinto commissioner) (set up in July of 1869 independently from Daijokan (Grand Council of State) with the amendments to the Constitution of 1868) held the post concurrently.
近代以前は、代々中臣氏（大中臣氏）が任命され、神祇官神祇官（明治2年7月政体書改正に伴い太政官から特立）が兼任した。