The literary and entertainment world is mourning the loss of Keigo Higashino, who passed away on July 23 at the age of 68. According to reports from the Asahi Shimbun, the author succumbed to colon cancer. A private funeral service has already been held by his family.
Born in Osaka in 1958, Higashino became a titan of Japanese mystery fiction, beginning with his 1985 debut After School, which secured him the prestigious Edogawa Rampo Prize. He went on to pen numerous best-sellers that transcended the page, most notably the Galileo detective series and the emotionally resonant The Miracles of the Namiya General Store. His work frequently bridged the gap between suspense and human drama, leading to widespread adaptations in film, television, and theater.
Higashino’s influence on the anime industry was underscored earlier this year with the release of the film adaptation of his novel The Camphorwood Custodian. The project saw a strong debut in January, ranking third at the Japanese box office during its opening weekend and earning international recognition through a screening at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
Even with his passing, Higashino's massive catalog of work continues to reach audiences. Upcoming live-action adaptations of his novels, such as Swans and Bats and Satsujin no Mon, remain on the release calendar for later this year and early 2027, respectively. His legacy as a master of plot and character remains firmly cemented in both literature and the broader Japanese media landscape.
