What Is 'Death Note'? Popular Japanese Manga Linked To Bengaluru Teen's Suicide

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Death Note was written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. It was first published as a manga in Japan in 2003
The death of a 13-year-old boy in Bengaluru has drawn attention to the popular Japanese anime 'Death Note', after police linked the student's suicide to his obsession with the series.
The Class 7 student, a resident of CK Achukattu, died by suicide on the night of August 3. During their investigation, police found that the boy was a huge fan of 'Death Note' and had drawn one of the characters from the series on the wall of his room.
Police now suspect that the anime may have influenced his thoughts and actions, and are looking deeper into the possible connection.
As the case raises concern among parents, teachers, and mental health experts, here is an explainer on what 'Death Note' is and why it has attracted both praise and controversy over the years.
What Is Death Note?
'Death Note' is a Japanese manga (comic book) and anime (animated series) that tells the story of a teenager who discovers a supernatural notebook that gives him the power to kill anyone just by writing their name in it.
The series is known for its dark themes, psychological tension, and moral questions about justice, power, and death.
'Death Note' was written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. It was first published as a manga in Japan in 2003 and later adapted into an anime series in 2006. Since then, it has gained a massive global fan following.
The anime is available on several streaming platforms and has also been adapted into live-action films and TV dramas in Japan, as well as a Hollywood remake.
What Is The Story About?
The main plot follows a high school student named Light Yagami, who finds a mysterious notebook called the 'Death Note'. This notebook was dropped by a Shinigami (a death god) named Ryuk.
The rules are simple but chilling: if someone's name is written in the notebook, and the writer knows their face, that person will die.
At first, Light uses the notebook to kill criminals, believing he is bringing justice to the world. He creates a new identity for himself — 'Kira" — and becomes known as a mysterious figure who can kill without being seen. However, his actions attract the attention of law enforcement agencies around the world.
A brilliant young detective known only as L is assigned to catch Kira. What follows is a tense game of cat and mouse between Light and L, both of whom are extremely intelligent and constantly trying to outsmart each other.
Main Characters
Light Yagami – The main character who discovers the Death Note and becomes Kira.
Ryuk – The Shinigami (death god) who drops the notebook into the human world out of boredom.
L – A mysterious and brilliant detective who tries to stop Kira.
Misa Amane – A fan of Kira who also receives a Death Note and becomes involved with Light.
Why Is It Controversial?
Although 'Death Note' is a work of fiction, it has raised concerns in the past due to its dark and violent themes. There have been several reports in different countries of school children mimicking the idea of the notebook, creating 'death lists" of names. Some schools and countries have even banned the manga or anime.
While 'Death Note' is considered a cult classic among anime fans, it is generally recommended for older teenagers and adults due to its serious and complex subject matter.
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