First Kira Killings
A high school genius rewrites the world order with a single notebook.
The First Kira Killings represents the inciting incident of the Death Note saga, marking the moment a high school student ascends to godhood through supernatural means. It details Light Yagami’s discovery of a notebook dropped by a Shinigami and his subsequent decision to use it to purge criminals from society. L, the world's greatest detective, observes and investigates these activities, attempting to expose and prosecute Light as the serial killer 'Kira', who is responsible for killing criminals worldwide through supernatural means using a 'Death Note'.
- Protagonist
- Light Yagami
- Key Item
- Death Note
- Supernatural Entity
- Ryuk
- Location
- Japan (Tokyo Area)
- Cause of Death
- Heart Attack
- Investigator Triggered
- L Lawliet
- Narrative Phase
- Beginning
Lore & Background
The phenomenon begins when Light Yagami finds a black notebook dropped by a Shinigami named Ryuk. After reading the rules, Light tests the notebook by writing the name of a criminal he sees on television news. The man dies instantly of heart failure, confirming the notebook's power. Light decides to use this power to create a utopia free from crime, systematically targeting violent offenders across Japan. This causes a sudden surge in unexplained cardiac arrests among criminals, and the media dubs him Kira, derived from the Japanese word for killer. The massive shift in criminal mortality rates catches the attention of L, the world's greatest detective, who deduces these deaths are orchestrated by a single individual. L works to stop the killings and limit Kira's actions, acting as a direct counterforce to him.
In Their Own Story
Rain slicked the pavement as Light walked home, the weight of the black book heavy in his bag. Inside his room, the television flickered with footage of a notorious criminal caught on camera. Light opened the notebook, the white pages stark against the dim light. He dipped his pen into ink and wrote slowly, deliberately. Across town, on a prison cot, a man clutched his chest and collapsed without warning. On the screen, the news anchor's voice trembled as she reported another sudden death in custody. Light closed the book, a small smile touching his lips as he looked at Ryuk watching from the shadows.
Reader's Guide
The arc begins when high school student Light Yagami discovers a mysterious black notebook dropped by a supernatural entity known as a Shinigami. Curious about its strange properties, he tests the object by writing down the name of a violent criminal currently featured on television news. The target dies immediately from a sudden heart attack, confirming the notebook's lethal power. Seizing this opportunity to reshape society, Light adopts the persona of Kira and begins systematically executing criminals across Japan. This campaign causes a dramatic spike in unexplained cardiac arrests among lawbreakers, capturing global media attention overnight. The unnatural pattern of deaths eventually reaches the attention of L, the world's greatest detective. Recognizing that these are not natural occurrences but targeted executions, L initiates a worldwide investigation to uncover the identity of the killer. This confrontation marks the beginning of the intense psychological warfare between Light and L that drives the narrative forward.
Did You Know?
- L's real name, L Lawliet, is only revealed in the guidebook Death Note 13: How to Read.
- L uses the aliases Hideki Ryuga, Ryuzaki, Eraldo Coil, and Deneuve, with the latter two having reputations as the second- and third-best detectives in the world.
- L's fighting style has been described as similar to capoeira, though artist Takeshi Obata denied considering this when drawing L's fights.
- L's voice actor Kappei Yamaguchi specifically requested lines be added to emphasize L's vulnerable side, especially regarding his relationship with Watari.
- L is killed by Rem before he can expose Light as Kira, but his suspicion is confirmed before his death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the First Kira Killings?
This term refers to the initial series of supernatural murders committed by Light Yagami after he discovers the Death Note dropped by the Shinigami Ryuk. These killings mark the moment a high school student begins purging criminals worldwide, causing their deaths via induced heart attacks.
Who is responsible for the First Kira Killings?
The perpetrator is Light Yagami, a brilliant Japanese high school student who decides to use the notebook's power to create a crime-free world. He acts as the vigilante known as 'Kira' while maintaining his public persona as an ordinary student.
How do these killings trigger L's involvement?
The sudden wave of criminal deaths from heart attacks across Japan catches the attention of L, the world's greatest detective, who deduces that a supernatural force is at work. This anomaly prompts him to launch a global investigation specifically designed to expose and capture Kira.
Why are the First Kira Killings important to the story?
These events serve as the inciting incident that launches the entire saga, transforming Light from a normal genius into a self-proclaimed god of a new world. They establish the central cat-and-mouse conflict between Light and L that drives the narrative forward.
What is the immediate outcome for criminals during this phase?
Any criminal whose name is written in the Death Note dies instantly of a heart attack, regardless of their location or current activity. This method allows Light to execute justice without leaving physical evidence, baffling traditional law enforcement agencies.
More in Story Arcs & Timeline
Elsewhere in the Death Note universe
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