Near

One of L's successors, a genius boy with outstanding deductive abilities

One of the candidates to succeed L, involved in the Kira case investigation, deploying calm and composed intellectual battles.

Quotes

  • “First, make an assumption, and if you're wrong, just apologize.”
  • “You are just a crazy murderer. Justice is something each person thinks about.”
  • “Isn't this interesting too?”
  • “Worse than L”
  • “Just excellent grades, but a fool.”
  • “Not just chicken, but lower than maggots.”

Trivia

  • Near is one of the successors who split L's elements into two people, the other being Mello.
  • The all-white clothes are modeled after pajamas.
  • Playing with toys and models inherits L's sugar cubes etc., emphasizing a childish impression.
  • Near's real name 'Nate River' derives from 'natural' and 'river'.
  • In the manga, rarely shown standing, characteristically hunched with knees hugged.
  • The author has stated that Near is fun to draw but a character they neither like nor dislike.

Alternate names

Near Nate River N L

Tags

Genius Deduction L's Successor Calm and Composed Kira Case Psychological Warfare Orphan SPK Puzzle Enthusiast

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male
Birthday
August 24
Birth year
1991

Appearance

Overall appearance
Petite build with eye bags like L and naturally curly long hair as features. Wears loose all-white long-sleeved shirt, slacks, and white socks.
Height
Approximately 155cm
Weight
40kg
Eye color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Eyes with bags
  • Naturally curly longish hair
  • Petite build
Iconic items
  • Puzzles
  • Models
  • Playing Cards
  • Dice
  • Finger Puppets
  • L-shaped Tarot Tower
  • All-white clothing

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Calm and Composed
Detailed personality
Extremely reclusive, does not show emotions outwardly, possesses highly rational and calm thinking, but also has a sharp-tongued and provocative side. Holds strong pride as L's successor.
Keywords
  • Calm
  • Brilliant Mind
  • Rationalist
  • Sharp-tongued
  • Recluse
  • Toy Enthusiast
  • Introverted
  • Independent
Motto
Detective belief: 'First assume guilt, and if wrong, just apologize'
Talents
  • Exceptional Deductive Skills
  • Parallel Thinking Ability
  • Memory
  • Observation
  • Strategy Planning
Skills
  • Negotiation
  • Manipulation of Human Psychology
  • Team Leadership
  • Toy and Model Making
  • Information Gathering
Motivation
Aims to uphold justice as L's rightful successor, solve the Kira case, and surpass L.
Habits
Always speaks politely, immerses in toys and models. Often sitting or lying down, rarely depicted standing.
Hobbies
Puzzles, Toys, Models, Playing Cards, Dice, Finger Puppets
Favorite foods
Tablet Chocolate
Disliked people
Light Yagami (Kira)

History

Backstory
Raised at Wammy's House orphanage in Winchester, England, always top of the class. Raised as L's successor candidate, left the orphanage at 15 to start Kira case investigation. Active as SPK representative, exposed Light = Kira.
Debut date
December 18, 2006
Work title
DEATH NOTE
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
Chapter 59 "Zero"

SPK Formation

Significant event
SPK Formation
Description
With cooperation from US FBI and the President, formed the anti-Kira organization SPK.

Exposing Light's Identity

Significant event
Exposing Light's Identity
Description
After L's death, using calm deduction and strategies, determined that Light Yagami is Kira.

Death Note Incineration

Significant event
Death Note Incineration
Description
After case resolution, incinerated the two Death Notes to end the killings.

Appointment as Third L

Significant event
Appointment as Third L
Description
Continued activities as L's successor and became the third L.

Relationships

Mello

Rival

Rival relationship at Wammy's House. Fiercely compete as successors in the Kira case.

Watari

Mentor

L's collaborator who raised and supported Near.

Roger

Teammate

As second Watari, stays by his side and acts together.

SPK

SPK: leader

Media appearances

DEATH NOTE

Manga / Protagonist

2003-2006

DEATH NOTE

Anime / Supporting

2006 TV Series

L change the WorLd

Movie / Supporting

Spin-off Movie

Death Note (Movies)

Movie / Supporting

Appears in spin-off works

DEATH NOTE Special Edition

Anime / Protagonist

Late 2020s

Death Note NEW GENERATION

Series / Protagonist

Spin-off Drama

Death Note (TV Drama Version)

Series / Protagonist

TV Drama

Voice cast and creators

Noriko Hidaka

Voice actor
Noriko Hidaka
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Anime Version
Notes
Initial/Representative

Daisuke Sakaguchi

Voice actor
Daisuke Sakaguchi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Web Drama Version / Friday Roadshow New Footage

Mio Yuuki

Voice actor
Mio Yuuki
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Drama Version

Cathy Weseluck

Voice actor
Cathy Weseluck
Language
English
Version or series
English Dub Anime

Tsugumi Ohba

Creator name
Tsugumi Ohba
Role
Original author

Takeshi Obata

Creator name
Takeshi Obata
Role
Character designer

Related goods

Near Figure

Item name
Near Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Near Finger Puppet Set

Item name
Near Finger Puppet Set
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Limited

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