The brand-new Death Note TV drama just made its debut, and it left us feeling a little lukewarm, what with its rushed pacing and less-than-compelling changes from the manga and anime source material. Still, we probably shouldn’t be too harsh in our criticisms. After all, at just one episode in, there’s still plenty of time for the newest live-action adaptation to turn it around and deliver a portion of the thrills the original Death Note did.
Plus, we’d like to stay on the good side of the series’ death gods, since this creepy photo has us worried that maybe they can manifest in real life, and might even be watching us right now.
Death Note is one of those special hits that has transcended the worlds of anime and manga fandom and become a mainstream pop cultural force in Japan. Among the many people who sat down to watch the drama’s premiere was Twitter user Kenshin Ogawa.
We’re not sure if Ogawa enjoyed the episode any more than we did, but we do know that his eyes weren’t glued to the screen for its entire runtime. At some point, he turned to look out the window, and even if he’d been bored up to that point, we’re sure his heart was suddenly pounding a mile a minute as he saw this.
https://twitter.com/kenshin_ogawa/status/617988063034150912Staring right back at him was shinigami/death god Ryuk, the mischievous supernatural entity who supplies protagonist Light with the means to end the life of those he judges as deserving death.
Now before you make a mad dash to the grocery store to stock up on apples with which to appease Ryuk, you should know that Ogawa himself offered the level-headed explanation that the glass of his home’s sliding door is just reflecting the image from his TV. But while that means creative otaku could also engineer a visit from anime’s many charming and attractive characters, we’re still a little freaked out by the snapshot, so you’ll have to excuse us if we decide to keep our Death Note curtains tightly shut during all subsequent episodes of the drama.
Source: Twitter/@kenshin_ogawa

Death Note drapes? Fans spot TV drama’s curtains in their home, keep them shut to block out Light
Death Note returns with first new manga content in 12 years!
Hide your name, hide your face – Death Note TV drama set to air this summer!
Live-action Netflix Death Note’s extended preview shows off Light’s adversary L, Ryuk voice work
Clip for Netflix’s Live-Action Death Note Film Shows Ryuk, Light’s Meeting
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Japan to get new high-speed train connecting Haneda and Narita airports, ease overtourism
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Ryuk from Death Note performs Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen in official release video
Death Note manga’s first new collected volume in 14 years announced
Death Note 2016: live-action movie sequel to feature new Six-Note Rule【Video】
Upcoming live-action Death Note film is now recruiting shinigami Ryuk cosplayers for PR events!
Namie Amuro Performs Theme Song, Insert Song for 2016 Death Note Film
Netflix releases first trailer for its live-action American adaptation of anime Death Note【Video】
Review: Death Note (2017)
Live-action, Western-made Death Note film opening in Japan, but it’s not what anime fans think
Apparently enough people watched the American Death Note that Netflix is making a sequel
Japanese women list reasons they wish their husbands would die in new Husband Death Note book
Expectations run high as Death Note team begins new series — this time about angels!
New Dragon Ball, Death Note, and One Piece attractions coming to Universal Studios Japan