Keigo Higashino Passes Away at 68 from Colon Cancer! From Automotive Engineer to Master of Mystery: Final Novel 'That Day' Released

Japan's preeminent mystery novelist, Keigo Higashino, passed away on the 23rd due to colon cancer at the age of 68. Publishers Kodansha and Bungeishunjū confirmed the tragic news on the 27th, stating that the family had quietly completed funeral arrangements. Higashino remained a prolific writer throughout his life, with domestic book sales surpassing 100 million copies. He enchanted readers worldwide with beloved classics such as 'Naoko's Wishing Shop,' 'Journey Under the Midnight Sun,' and 'The Devotion of Suspect X.'

From Automotive Engineer to Literary Icon? How a Science Background Forged a Unique Mystery Style

Born in Osaka in 1958, Keigo Higashino graduated from Osaka Prefectural University with a degree in electrical engineering. Before becoming a writer, he worked as an engineer at an automotive parts manufacturer. During his spare time, he pursued writing and won the 31st Edogawa Rampo Prize in 1985 with 'After School,' a campus-based locked-room mystery. Following this prestigious award, he resigned from his engineering job to become a full-time novelist.

His scientific training instilled in him a rigorous logical mindset and exceptional storytelling ability. In 1999, he won the Mystery Writers of Japan Award for 'The Secret.' In 2005, he released his groundbreaking masterpiece 'The Devotion of Suspect X,' a story about a genius mathematician who devises a perfect crime to protect the woman he loves, engaging in a brilliant intellectual duel with his former physicist friend. The novel masterfully combined intricate plots with profound emotion, winning both the 134th Naoki Prize and the 6th Honkaku Mystery Award, propelling his career to its peak.

Did the Wave of Film Adaptations Boost His Fame? Which Series Achieved Both Box Office Success and Critical Acclaim?

Higashino's output was astonishing, with over 100 works to his name, many of which were frequently adapted into television dramas and films. The widely popular 'Detective Galileo' series, starring actor Masaharu Fukuyama, sparked a viewing frenzy across Asia and beyond. Additionally, adaptations of the 'Kaga Gorosuke' series and the 'Masquerade Hotel' series achieved excellent box office results and critical acclaim.

Recognized for his profound creative power and societal influence, Higashino received both the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon and the Kikuchi Kan Prize in 2023. Beyond his personal writing, he contributed significantly to the literary world, serving as president of the Mystery Writers of Japan from 2009 to 2013 and as a judge for the Naoki Prize from 2014 to 2019.

Publishers Confirm Details of Final Work! Which Book Becomes the Master's Last Gift to the World?

According to Japanese media reports, publishers Kodansha and Bungeishunjū revealed that Higashino had completed his final novel, the latest installment in the 'Detective Galileo' series titled 'Eternal Memory,' originally scheduled for release on August 5, 2026.

Following the sudden passing of the master, 'Eternal Memory,' soon to be released, officially becomes Keigo Higashino's final and precious last work. As countless readers around the world mourn, they will once again experience the profound wisdom and unique charm embedded in the writings of this literary giant through this final masterpiece.