Shinbashira (Tenrikyo)

For the central pillar of a Japanese pagoda, see Shinbashira.

In the Tenrikyo religion, the Shinbashira (真柱 "central pillar") refers to the "administrative and spiritual leader" of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters. The Constitution of Tenrikyo defines the position as "the one who governs Tenrikyo."

The fourth and current Shinbashira is Nakayama Zenji (中山善司), who has held the office since April 26, 1998.

List of Shinbashiras

• Nakayama Shinnosuke (中山眞之亮)
• Nakayama Shōzen (中山正善)
• Nakayama Zenye (中山善衞)
• Nakayama Zenji (中山善司)