Shinigami

Shinigami, written as 死神 in Japanese, is a term that translates to "death god" or "death spirit." In traditional Japanese folklore and in more recent pop culture, shinigami are not a single universal figure but a category of beings associated with death. The word combines shi (death) and kami (god or spirit), signaling their role as supernatural agents connected to the end of life.

In folklore, shinigami are described as mediators between life and death. They may be invisible or appear to humans in various guises, and their primary function is to influence the timing and manner of death or to escort souls to the afterlife. They are not consistently portrayed as purely malevolent or benevolent; instead they can be neutral or ambiguous figures whose actions reflect broader beliefs about fate and the afterlife. Regional tales vary widely in their depiction, with some accounts emphasizing their duty to guide souls, others portraying them as agents of misfortune.

In traditional contexts, shinigami are usually considered impersonal forces rather than individual deities with fixed personalities. Over time, the concept has been adapted and stylized in modern media, where shinigami are often given distinct roles and appearances. In anime and manga, they commonly act as grim reapers or guardians of souls, sometimes armed with weapons or other symbolic tools. Notable contemporary examples include works where shinigami guide or judge the dead, or interact with the living in morally complex ways. The term has also entered broader Japanese popular culture as a general reference to death-related figures.