Celebrated Japanese author Higashino Keigo passed away in the early hours of July 23, 2026, at the age of 68. The news was officially announced on July 27 via a shared X (formerly Twitter) account managed by the seven publishers responsible for his books.
The announcement stated: “He passed away in the early hours of July 23. We humbly offer our deepest condolences.” The publishers also encouraged fans to continue enjoying his novels, expressing their belief that “the stories he created will go on captivating readers for years to come.”
Career and Legacy
Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1958, Higashino graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from Osaka Prefecture University and worked as an engineer before making his literary debut in 1985 with Houkago, which won the 31st Edogawa Rampo Award. Over the following four decades, he became one of Japan’s most beloved and prolific authors.
His many award-winning works include:
- Himitsu — 52nd Mystery Writers of Japan Award
- Yogisha X no Kenshin (part of the Galileo series) — 134th Naoki Prize
- Namiya Zakkaten no Kiseki — 7th Chuo Koron Literary Award
- Inori no Maku ga Oriru Toki — 48th Yoshikawa Eiji Literary Award
His novels have been widely adapted into live-action dramas, films, and stage productions. From his 1985 debut to his forthcoming final title, Eien no Kioku, due out on August 5, his solo bibliography totals 106 volumes.
Connection to Anime
For anime fans, Higashino’s name became newly prominent this January when Kusunoki no Bannin — the first-ever anime adaptation of any of his works — opened in theaters. The film was directed by Ito Tomohiko, known for Sword Art Online, Boku dake ga Inai Machi, and HELLO WORLD, with animation produced by A-1 Pictures.
Upcoming Related Events
A stage reading event, “Roudoku-geki Galileo Series: Yogisha X no Kenshin” — the second installment following a 2024 production — is still scheduled for August 15. The performance features popular voice actors Eguchi Takuya, Namikawa Daisuke, Nakamura Sougu, and Ishii Misa.
The passing of Higashino Keigo marks an immeasurable loss for Japanese literature and the broader entertainment world that his work has shaped for over four decades.
(แชร์แล้วไปกดรับที่หน้าภารกิจ · วันละ 1 次)
