Kannon-sama (in Chinese: Kuan-yin; in Sanskrit: Avalokiteshvara) the bodhisattva of compassion, is the most popular bosatsu in Japan as indeed throughout East Asia. She is female, is widely associated with childbirth (a notable exception to the general rule in Japan of 'born Shinto, die Buddhist') and takes many different forms, according to need, including in pre-Meiji times being identified with kami (see e.g. Kasuga, Tenjin). The new religious movement Sekai kyusei-kyo was founded by Okada, Mokichi as a consequence of possession by Kannon.
A Popular Dictionary of Shinto. Brian Bocking.