Kami

Amaterasu cave crop

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

Kami are the spirits, gods, or divine beings in Shinto, the indigenous spiritual beliefs and practices of Japan. The concept of kami is central to Shinto and encompasses a wide range of deities, spirits, and phenomena. Kami can reside in natural elements such as mountains, rivers, trees, and rocks, as well as in ancestral spirits and even certain highly respected living individuals. The diversity and number of kami are immense, with no single definitive list existing, reflecting the pantheistic and animistic aspects of Shinto.

Nature of Kami

Kami are not considered omnipotent or omniscient beings in the same sense as the gods of many other religions. Instead, they are revered for their particular qualities, powers, or historical significance. Some kami are known for their benevolence and protection, while others may be feared for their association with natural disasters or curses. The relationship between humans and kami is reciprocal; humans show respect and reverence through rituals and offerings, and in return, kami provide blessings, protection, and guidance.

Types of Kami

There are various types of kami, categorized by their nature, origins, or the domains they are associated with. Some of the well-known types include:

- Amatsukami: The heavenly deities, such as Amaterasu, the sun goddess, who are considered to reside in the High Plain of Heaven. - Kunitsukami: The earthly deities, which include gods of specific locales, such as Ōkuninushi, a deity of nation-building and medicine. - Ancestral kami: Spirits of revered ancestors who are worshipped by their descendants. - Nature kami: Spirits that inhabit natural phenomena and geographic features, such as Konohanasakuya-hime, the blossom princess associated with Mount Fuji.

Worship and Practices

Kami are worshipped at Shinto shrines, where rituals and ceremonies are conducted to honor them, pray for their blessings, and maintain a harmonious relationship between the spiritual and physical worlds. Shrines can range from grand structures to simple roadside markers and are often located in places believed to be imbued with spiritual significance. The most important shrine in Shinto is the Ise Grand Shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu.

Shinto practices also include various festivals (Matsuri), rituals, and arts, all aimed at celebrating and engaging with the kami. These practices are not only religious but also form an integral part of Japanese culture and community life.

Kami in Japanese Culture

The concept of kami has permeated various aspects of Japanese culture beyond the confines of Shinto. It influences literature, art, and even popular media, such as manga and anime, where elements of Shinto and the kami are often incorporated into stories and characters. The belief in kami contributes to the Japanese aesthetic and philosophical appreciation of nature, emphasizing harmony and respect for the natural world.

See Also

• Shinto
• Japanese mythology
• Religion in Japan
• Ise Grand Shrine
• Matsuri