The manipulation of time and circumstance plays a crucial role in Light Yagami's plans and schemes in the anime "Death Note." By carefully orchestrating events and timing his actions, Light is able to manipulate situations to his advantage, creating opportunities to eliminate his targets and further his goals without raising suspicion. Time manipulation allows him to create alibis, mislead his adversaries, and control the outcomes of his actions, ultimately shaping the world according to his vision of justice.