This world is rotten, and those who are making it rot deserve to die. Someone has to do it, so why not me? Even if it means sacrificing my own mind and soul, it's worth it. Because the world... can't go on like this. I wonder... what if someone else had picked up this notebook? Is there anyone out there other than me who'd be willing to eliminate the vermin from the world? If I don't do it, then who will? That's just it: there's no one. But I can do it. In fact, I'm the only one who can. I'll do it. Using the Death Note, I'll change the world.
That's right. I am Kira. But, I am not only Kira but I am also God of the new world. Kira has become law in the world we now live. He's the one maintaining order. I have become justice. The only hope for mankind. Heh. Kill me? Is that really the right thing to do? Since Kira's appearance 6 years ago wars have stopped and global crime rates have been reduced by over 70%. But - it's not enough, this world is still rotten. With too many rotten people. Somebody has to do this! And when I first got that notebook all those years ago, I knew I had to do it. No - I was the only one who could. I understood that killing people was a crime. THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY - THE WORLD HAD TO BE FIXED! A PURPOSE GIVEN TO ME! Only I could do it...WHO ELSE COULD HAVE DONE IT? AND COME THIS FAR? WOULD THEY HAVE KEPT GOING? The only one...who can create a new world...is me.
DAD? WAKE UP. COME ON, DAMN IT! DON'T YOU DIE ON ME YOU IDIOT! DAD!
Light Yagami is the main protagonist of the manga/anime series Death Note, as well as its multiple adaptations.
In generality, Light was a Japanese high school senior who found a notebook called a Death Note. Anyone whose name is written in the notebook will die. At first skeptical of its power, Light tested its power on two criminals. After realizing the power of the notebook, Light went mad with power as he decided to use the notebook to rid the world of criminals and create a new world full of law abiding people he accepts. Light would then make himself the God of this new world.
The series charts his use of the notebook and his conflict with the Japanese police, including detectives L, Mello, and Near, as well as his associations with other notebook users, such as Misa Amane and Teru Mikami. His online followers dubbed him "Kira", a Japanese pronunciation of the word "killer" in English.
What makes him sympathetic?[]
- Was a hardworking honor student, who was one of the most brilliant minds of Japan and cared deeply about his family, parents, sister and wanted to make a world a better place for the humanity.
- When he got the notebook, he decided to get rid the world of criminals and murdered a lot of criminals and saved the people.
- His methods heavily decreased the crime, stopping the wars, and destroy everything rotten in the world.
- His death in the anime is treated sympathetically, as he remembers life before he got the Death Note while sobbing in sadness
- Genuinely loved his family as confirmed by the author
- During the Yotsuba arc of the anime, becomes inconsistently admirable and even tries catching Kira. Yet, when he gets it back, the corruption of the Death Note he has is clear
- This Yotsuba arc features Light as a much better person - showing that without the Death Note's influence, at his core Light is at the very least not as evil as presented for the majority of the series
- This Light also genuinely disagrees with Kira and shows his disgust towards him
- It is stated by the author if Light didn't get the Death Note he would've become a very good police detective and worked with L - the Death Note completely ruined him
- Light wants to make a difference in the world - which is why he is so different in the Yotsuba arc than the first episode. In the first episode, Light is bored and has nothing to do. In the Yotsuba arc, he is genuinely making a difference by trying to catch a criminal in Kira so he becomes better
- He reduces crimes by 70% and stops all wars - while his initial plans became corrupted, he still made a difference
- He genuinely feels bad about his first few kills and debates heavily in his mind over them - in the manga, that is
- He was genuinely sad when his dad died, as the author confirms he wasn't 100% acting
- Light's death in the anime could be hinting he regrets his actions - though this isn't 100% confirmed
- The Death Note curses all of its users - this would surely include Light himself
- He made it so that he could not kill Sayu no matter what when Mello kidnaps her - showing his affection towards her
- The author confirms he could not kill his father no matter what
- Light Yagami was heavily disturbed by his first 2 deaths and ended up losing weight and feeling immense guilt over them
Trivia[]
- The author of 'Death Note' Ohba stated that although Light was very evil, he harboured a love for humanity and he never lost his love for his family.
- The author also stated that if he never had the Death Note he would have worked alongside L and caught many criminals - generally being a good person
- Light is portrayed in a crucified-like position on the twelfth and final manga cover. This position is mimicked by Light during the second ending sequence in the anime and again when he is portrayed as a secret Nendoroid figure for the Death Note Case File merchandise line.
- In the anime, certain characters take on stylized hair colors while the viewer hears their thoughts; Light's color is red
- Light's relationship with L is similar to Judas' relationship with Jesus. The scene where L massages Light's feet highlights this as it was a reference to Jesus washing Judas' feet, aware of his betrayal and that his demise was coming soon.
- Light is portrayed in a crucified-like position on the twelfth and final manga cover. This position is mimicked by Light during the second ending sequence in the anime and again when he is portrayed as a secret Nendoroid figure for the Death Note Case File merchandise line.