Shintô deities are referred to as kami. The term is frequently (loosely) translated "god" or "gods," but it expresses a concept of divinity different from that found in Western religion. While a god may first call attention to its presence through a display of rowdy or even destructive behavior, generally speaking, the kami sustain and protect.

As Shinto is a combination of nature worship and animism, a belief that everything is inhabited by a soul which gives life or activity to substances.

èIn particular. a wide variety of kami exist in Shintô: there are kami related to natural objects and creatures - the spirits of mountains, seas, rivers, rocks, trees, animals, and the like; there are guardian kami of particular locales and clans; also considered kami are exceptional human beings, including all but the last in Japan's long line of emperors. Ancestors are deeply revered and worshipped. All of humanity is regarded as Kami's childFinally, the abstract, creative forces of nature are recognized as kami.

A divine couple, Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto gave birth to the Japanese islands. Their children became the deities of the various Japanese clans. Amaterasu (Sun Goddess) was one of their daughters. She is the ancestress of the Imperial Family. Her descendants unified the country.

Without the sun, all shintoist believe they would die and go to the underworld.

They sing, dance, laugh and clap their hands at the sun to express their joy and gratitude

Amaterasu angered by the outrageous behavior of her brother, the earth/storm god, hid

herself in a cave, bringing darkness upon the earth.  The other kami put on a grand show

which drew her out of the cave.  The brother was banished to the lower world.  Ninigino-mikoto, grandson of the Amaterasu, came to rule Japan with the three symbols of

lordship: the mirror, sword, and string of comma-shaped

jewels. 

The sword is said to have come from the tail of an eight-headed serpent that Susanoo no Mikoto (storm god) had slain. As a peace offering he gave it to Amaterasu. She presented these three treasures to her grandson Ninigo no Mikoto as symbols of his rule over Japan.

hese gifts represent the bravery (the sword), wisdom (the mirror), and benevolence (the jewel).

Kamidana is a miniature Shinto shrine placed high on the wall, on a well-lighted and quiet zone from houses or shops and businesses. An orientation facing east or south is generally considered desirable.