In the series manga and anime series
Death Note,
Shinigami (死神
?, literally "death god")
are a race of extra-dimensional beings who survive by killing humans to
extend their own lives. Shinigami in this series are not responsible
for every death that occurs; people will eventually die regardless of
whether or not the Shinigami pay attention to them, but a Shinigami can
end their lives sooner than intended for their own benefit.