Japanese author Keigo Higashino passed away from colorectal cancer in the early hours of July 23. He was 68 years old. His death was announced through the official website of publisher Kodansha and other channels.

Born in Osaka in 1958, Higashino made his literary debut after winning the '31st Edogawa Rampo Prize' in 1985 for After School. He went on to become one of Japan's most prominent mystery writers, receiving the 'Naoki Prize' in 2006 for The Devotion of Suspect X. In 2023, he was awarded the 'Medal with Purple Ribbon' for his contributions to Japanese culture.

Many of Higashino's works have been adapted for film and television, including The Devotion of Suspect X, Journey Under the Midnight Sun, the Shinzanmono series, The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, and Masquerade Hotel. Among his best-known works is the popular Galileo series.

A new Galileo novel, Eien no Kioku, is scheduled to be published on August 5. Several screen adaptations of his works are also scheduled for release following his death.

Higashino's funeral has already been held privately with family. Details regarding a future memorial gathering will be announced at a later date.