Page "Kami" Paragraph 8

There are other spirits designated as kami as well.

For example, the guardian spirits of the land, occupations, and skills ; spirits of Japanese heroes, men of outstanding deeds or virtues, and those who have contributed to civilization, culture and human welfare ; those who have died for the state or the community ; and the pitiable dead.

Not only spirits superior to man can be considered kami, but also spirits that are considered pitiable or weak have been considered kami in Shinto.