Short answers, pulled from the story.
The Japanese word kami appears in ancient texts as early as the 8th century. Scholars have long debated its precise meaning beyond simple deity or spirit, with some tracing possible Ainu language roots to kamuy and others pointing to a purely Japonic origin.
Records of Ancient Matters written in 712 CE contain the earliest known creation myths involving kami. Chronicles of Japan followed eight years later in 720 CE, expanding on these foundational stories.
As rice cultivation became central to Japanese society, kami identities shifted toward sustaining roles involving rain and crops. Rituals entreated these spirits to protect harvests while symbolizing power for emerging emperors.
Amatsukami represent gods residing in Takamagahara or descending through Tenson kōrin. Kunitsukami denote deities appearing on Ashihara no Nakatsukuni, the earthly realm.
Female priestesses known as miko assist married kannushi priests in maintaining connections between spirits and people. Priesthoods traditionally passed down through families for over a hundred generations without requiring ascetic lifestyles.