Keigo Higashino, Japanese crime writer and author of The Devotion of Suspect X, dies at 68
The author of over 100 works, including the award-winning The Devotion of Suspect X, died of colorectal cancer on 23 July. His funeral was held privately, publisher Kodansha announced on Monday.
Death announced by publisher
Keigo Higashino died on 23 July 2026 at age 68 from colorectal cancer, according to a statement issued by his publisher Kodansha on Monday, 27 July. The funeral had already taken place privately, attended only by family. The announcement ended speculation that had circulated online over the weekend, as Higashino's death in the early hours of 23 July was kept private at the family's request until the funeral was concluded. The cause of death was disclosed only when Kodansha released its statement. The publisher said, "The stories he wrote will undoubtedly continue to captivate countless readers." Higashino was one of Japan's most successful and beloved authors, with a prolific output that spanned nearly four decades.
Prolific career and awards
Born on 4 February 1958 in Osaka, Higashino studied electrical engineering at Osaka Prefecture University and worked as an engineer before his literary breakthrough. His debut novel, "Hokago" (After-School Hours), won the prestigious Edogawa Ranpo Prize in 1985, prompting him to become a full-time writer. He later earned the Naoki Prize for "The Devotion of Suspect X" and the Eiji Yoshikawa Literature Prize for "The Final Curtain", cementing his reputation. In France, he was awarded the Prix du Roman International at the Festival Polar de Cognac in 2010 for "La Maison où je suis mort autrefois" (The House Where I Died Long Ago). By 2023, he had reached the milestone of 100 published works and 100 million copies sold in Japan. Kodansha noted that he eventually published more than 106 books. His style, blending meticulous plotting with emotional depth, drew comparisons to classic mystery writers while forging a distinctly modern Japanese voice. Critics praised his ability to weave human drama into tightly constructed puzzles.
- Born in Osaka, Japan
- Debut novel 'Hokago' wins Edogawa Ranpo Prize
- Wins Prix du Roman International at Festival Polar de Cognac for 'La Maison où je suis mort autrefois'
- Reaches milestone of 100 published works and 100 million copies sold in Japan
- Dies of colorectal cancer in the early hours
Global readership and adaptations
Higashino's work found readers far beyond Japan. His books have been translated into editions in 41 countries and territories, and more than 20 of his novels were adapted for film and television. He was particularly popular in China and across Asia, where his intricate plots and deeply human characters resonated widely. In Portugal, two of his books are available: "A Pequena Loja dos Grandes Milagres" and "Devoção do Suspeito X". His Galileo series, featuring the physicist-detective Manabu Yukawa, became a cultural phenomenon, spawning a TV drama and film that further expanded his international fanbase. The 100-million-copy sales milestone placed him among the highest-selling Japanese authors of all time.
Fans grieve on social media
The news of his death triggered an emotional response on social media. "Thank you so much. The Detective Galileo series was the first novel series I ever bought. Thank you for giving me the best reading experience of my life," one Japanese user on X posted. Another wrote, "Really? Unbelievable, please someone tell me it's a lie." A third said, "Ever since I started reading Mr. Higashino's novels as a teenager, my life as a book lover began. His novels captivated me, influenced me, and made me feel a wide range of emotions. They are all treasures." Fans in other countries also shared memories, reflecting his global impact.
