Kami in Shinto Mythology has been translated as soul, spirit, deity, and “beings placed higher” In general in can be considered any person, creature. or place of superlative quality. Another interpretation puts forth that everything has a kami. Every rock, person, plant, mountain and stream can have a kami. In general it is the awe inspiring things that affect peoples lives that are associated with kami (thunder, wind, mountains, sun, etc.)

Another type of kami are the ancestral kami. They are honored in their home but not usually enshrined unless they had a profound affect on the lives or spirits of many people. It is possible to be enshrined while you are still alive. My guess is that this is reserved for pre-World War II Emperors.

The major players in the shinto pantheon are: Izanagi, Izanami, Amaterasu, Susanoo, and Tsukuyomi.

Kami of Shinto