Tiny Bleach question!

[Momo-P]

Yes, yes, I know. I'm about a hundred years too late in actually paying attention to this storyline, so sue me.

Basically my question focuses on something I read in the anime review. It says the Shinigami's abilities are called "the way of the demon" or something to that effect...can anyone explain why? From what I always knew, the Shinigami only use their powers for good, so why on earth the weird name? It's kinda like the millennium items from YGO being evil, but the scales only bringing about good. It totally contradicts everything. ._.;

[Esoteric]

That's a good question. To be honest, I'm not sure if my answer is the correct one, but this is what I think...

The term 'demon' when applied in translation to Japanese mythology has a slightly different connotations and encompasses a varied range of supernatural creatures. Many were mischievous and cruel, yes, but others were benign, and even occasionally helpful. In many cases, words like monster, ogre and spirit could be substituted for 'demon' in anime, although admittedly 'monster' and 'ogre' lack the supernatural flare of demon, and 'spirit' tends to suggest a ghost to western audiences.
As for Bleach's kido, I think the name was chosen because it suggests (again, in the Japanese context) a mysterious and powerful 'art' known only to supernatural beings, which, in Bleach are shinigami.

That is my understanding, but if it's wrong, I'm sure someone here will point it out.

[uc pseudonym]

I'm inclined to say the name is meaningless. Kido (the spell-like aspect of shinigami power, not seen as often as their swords) have so far been used exclusively by shinigami. Hollows appear unable to use them and Hell really doesn't play a large role in Bleach's afterlife. So the arts really have no moral alignment, within the anime world or without.

[Momo-P]

So basically just more "we're Japan and we like to use fancy names" stuff, huh? Doesn't surprise me much, but you always gotta make sure. ^^;

[mitsuki lover]

Well even the word Daemon originally meant a more or less neutral
spirit in Greek mythology.