Women in Early Shinto

Using the background information I have on religion in Japan, combined with some new information, I'm going to look at the position of women before and after the introduction of Buddhism.
With an all-powerful female deity, Amaterasu, and mythology full of powerful female kami, it isn't surprising that Shintoism gave women spiritual authority. In a time where religion held a huge place in the imperial court, this meant that women often held political and social authority as well. During the Yamato period, women could become court shamans, and a Chinese reporter even said that the people of Japan "have profound faith in shamans, both male and female" (Kitagawa).
One of these powerful shaman women was called Himiko, or in Chinese, Pimiko. In the country of Wa, political conflicts from 147 to 189 resulted in the induction of Himoko as queen. Himoko preferred solitude, and used divine oracles to help her rule (Sharma).
Similarly, the shamanic diviner Empress Jingu became ruler after the death of her husband, Emperor Chuai, most likely during the third or fourth century (Sharma). Guaranteed victory by the kami, Empress Jingu led the Japanese army in a successful battle against Korea. Although it is debated whether or not Empress Jingu was  a real person, or legendary figure, she demonstrates in either case the power that women could obtain through Shintoism (Kitagawa).

This woodblock print shows a Meiji artist's interpretation of Empress Jingu invading Korea (Yusai).