Japanese mystery novelist Keigo Higashino, known for his intricate crime fiction and over 100 published works, died of colon cancer on July 23, 2026, at age 68, sparking global tributes from readers, authors, and industry figures.
The death of The Japan Times, a towering figure in Japanese mystery writing, has triggered an outpouring of tributes across Asia and beyond, with fans, fellow authors, and industry leaders reflecting on his legacy. Higashino, who passed away at 68 after a battle with colorectal cancer, left behind a career spanning over four decades and a body of work that redefined the genre for global audiences.
A Career Spanning 106 Books and Global Reach
Higashino’s literary journey began in 1985 with his debut novel After School, and he continued to publish at a relentless pace, producing 106 books by 2026, including his final work, Eternal Memory, scheduled for release on August 5. His novels, which blend scientific rigor with emotional depth, gained international acclaim, with translations available in over 40 countries and territories. The Detective Galileo series, featuring a physicist solving complex criminal cases, became a cultural phenomenon, adapted into films and television dramas starring actors like Masaharu Fukuyama.
His plot twists were brilliant, but I also loved his heart-wrenching human dramas,
said a Tokyo reader, describing the emotional impact of his work. Higashino’s ability to merge science with storytelling earned him a reputation as a versatile writer, with his books topping bestseller lists in Japan and beyond. His 2006 novel The Devotion of Suspect X remains one of his most celebrated works.
Tributes from Authors, Actors, and Fans
Fellow authors and industry figures highlighted Higashino’s influence on the mystery genre. Bin Konno, who succeeded Higashino as president of Mystery Writers of Japan, remembered him as a warm and engaging person
who hardly ever talked about his work; he would just make small talk.
Actor Fukuyama paid tribute on social media, writing, As a character in the author's works and as a reader, I hope to continue being enchanted by the stories he creates.
His passing also resonated deeply with readers. In China, where his works have enjoyed a loyal following, social media platforms like Weibo saw searches for Keigo Higashino death
trend nationally. Bookstores in Beijing displayed over 70 of his titles, with customers purchasing his books in large numbers. A commemorative edition of The Miracles of the Namiya General Store—which surpassed 500,000 copies in sales—was released in the wake of his death.
South Korean readers also expressed their grief, with one user noting, I’ve read so many of Keigo Higashino’s books, and this feels so surreal. There are still so many of his books I haven’t gotten around to reading yet.
Author Park Ha-ru credited Higashino, saying, Higashino had always been there ever since I was a kid, and thanks to him, I was able to become a mystery novelist in South Korea.
Legacy and Unfinished Work
Higashino’s final novel, Eternal Memory, is set to be his 106th book, marking the end of a career that saw his works translated into over 40 countries and territories. His publisher, Kodansha, noted that his books have sold over 100 million copies domestically, with international adaptations including an animated film based on The Keeper of the Camphor Tree and a live-action Galileo series.
The author’s death has left a void in the mystery writing community. His ability to balance complex puzzles with human emotion made him a trailblazer, and his influence is expected to endure through future adaptations and new readers discovering his work. As the Detective Galileo series continues to captivate audiences, fans await the release of Eternal Memory, a fitting coda to a career that redefined the genre.
While Higashino’s passing marks the end of an era, his legacy remains intact. Publishers and studios are expected to continue promoting his existing works, with potential new adaptations of his novels in the pipeline. The mystery genre, shaped by his innovations, will likely continue to evolve under the influence of his storytelling techniques. For readers, his final book, Eternal Memory, offers a chance to experience his distinctive voice one last time.
As tributes continue to pour in, the global literary community reflects on the impact of a writer who transformed mystery fiction into a universal language. His works, now available in over 40 countries and territories, ensure that his stories will endure for generations to come.
Related reading
