Shinigami

In Japanese mythology, a shinigami is a spirit of the dead. Some Japanese authors and manga artists adapt the legend into their series.

Shinigami (Bleach)

In the manga/anime series Bleach, shinigami are the protectors of souls. Their duties are to guide souls that do not cross over to the Soul Society, and to cleanse Hollows, monsters created when normal souls have a lot of regrets and become corrupted by their regrets. They are spirits and cannot be seen by ordinary humans.