Myōjin (明神 'shining deity', 'illuminating deity', or 'apparent deity') or Daimyōjin (大明神 'great shining/apparent deity') was a title historically applied to kami ('Japanese deities') and, by metonymy, their shrines. The term is thought to have been derived from 'notable deity' (名神, myōjin), a title once granted by the Imperial Court to kami deemed to have particularly impressive power and virtue and/or have eminent, well-established shrines and cults.
Myōjin (明神 'shining deity', 'illuminating deity', or 'apparent deity') or Daimyōjin (大明神 'great shining/apparent deity') was a title historically applied to kami ('Japanese deities') and, by metonymy, their shrines. The term is thought to have been derived from 'notable deity' (名神, myōjin), a title once granted by the Imperial Court to kami deemed to have particularly impressive power and virtue and/or have eminent, well-established shrines and cults.
Source: Wikipedia "Myōjin" · CC BY-SA 4.0
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