Hitogami
, or "man-god," is a belief in Shinto where humans are worshipped as gods during their lifetime or after their death. The word "Hitogami" comes from the Japanese words "hito," meaning "human," and "kami," meaning "god." In Japan, this belief is also called "ikigami" or "arahitogami," especially when the deity is still alive. The hitogami belief system is distinct from the ujigami belief system in that the latter is centered on the deity's association with a particular family or geographical area. In contrast, the hitogami belief system places more emphasis on individual faith as the foundation for belonging to the group of followers..