Shinigami are supernatural beings in Japanese folklore, often referred to as "death gods" or "death spirits." They are believed to guide souls to the afterlife, playing a crucial role in the cycle of life and death. Shinigami are commonly depicted in various forms of media, including anime and manga, where they may have distinct personalities and powers. In popular culture, one of the most well-known representations of shinigami is in the anime and manga series Death Note, where a shinigami named Ryuk drops a notebook that allows its user to kill anyone by writing their name. This portrayal has contributed to the modern understanding of shinigami as complex characters rather than mere harbingers of death.