What happens to Light Yagami in Death Note?

Light Yagami, also known as Kira, is a popular Japanese cosmic actor who portrayed a pivotal role in Death Note, a renowned anime with a vast global fan base. In this article, you will learn everything about Light Yagami’s role in Death Note.

• Name: Light Yagami
• Birthday: January 28, 1986
• Alias: Kira, Light Asahi, L after the 60th episode
• Date of death: January 28, 2010
• Gender: Male
• Species: Human
• Created by: Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata
• First appearance: Boredom
• Last appearance: Curtain
• Voiced by: Mamoru Miyano (Japanese), Brad Swaile (English)
• Weapon: Death Note
• Relatives:
  • Death Note Relatives: Soichiro Yagami (father), Sachiko Yagami (mother), Sayu Yagami (sister), Misa Amane (best friend/fiancée)
• Occupation: Student, Detective, Serial killer

Light Yagami, a genius but bored high school student, discovers a Death Note. The notebook grants the power to kill anyone by writing their name, provided the writer has the person’s face in mind. Intrigued, Light decides to test the Death Note’s capabilities by eliminating a criminal holding hostages, as seen on television. Upon writing the criminal’s name, the person dies of a heart attack.

Ryuk, the Shinigami, appears before Light, revealing details about the Death Note. Ryuk, bored in the Shinigami realm, intentionally dropped the Death Note into the human world. Ryuk remains with Light as long as the notebook is in his possession, visible and audible only to Light. Light uses the Death Note to eliminate criminals, creating a society free of wrongdoing. He also avenges the murders of Misa Amane’s (the 2nd Kira) parents, leading to her falling in love with him.

Detective L is assigned to apprehend Light. To divert suspicion, Light joins the Anti-Kira squad. When Misa is incarcerated, Light orchestrates her release and also eliminates L, taking control of the Anti-Kira squad.

Ultimately, the series reveals the irony that, despite Light believing himself to be a god, he is just an ordinary human and a source of entertainment for Ryuk. Ryuk writes Light’s name in his own Death Note, leading to Light’s demise in 2013 in the anime.

Regarding whether Light Yagami is a hero or villain, his actions include both good and evil deeds. However, by violating societal principles and killing L, who was merely performing his duty, Light is labeled a villain by his country and some fans. In terms of the established rules, Light Yagami is considered a villain.