Renowned Japanese Author and Mastermind Behind ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’ Keigo Higashino Passes Away at 68
Acclaimed Japanese author Keigo Higashino has passed away at the age of 68 due to colon cancer, according to reports by the Asahi Shimbun. His family has held a private funeral following his passing on July 23. Born in Osaka in 1958, Higashino leaves behind a massive literary legacy that shaped modern Japanese mystery and fiction, beginning with his 1985 debut novel Hōkago (After School), which captured the prestigious Edogawa Rampo Prize.
A Legacy of Global Hits, Stage Adaptations, and Upcoming Film Projects
Throughout his prolific career, Higashino penned numerous award-winning works and beloved series, including The Devotion of Suspect X, The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, and the popular Galileo detective novels. His genre-defining stories have continually crossed over into various media platforms. His novel The Camphorwood Custodian recently inspired an anime film that hit Japanese theaters on January 30, subsequently screening at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June. Meanwhile, live-action adaptations of his works continue to push forward, with Hakuchō to Kōmori (Swans and Bats) slated for a September 4 release in Japan, and Satsujin no Mon scheduled to premiere on February 19, 2027.
