Keigo Higashino, acclaimed Japanese mystery author, dies at 68

Keigo Higashino, the acclaimed Japanese mystery novelist whose intricate plots and character-driven narratives gained a global following, has died at the age of 68. His publisher, Kodansha, announced on July 27, 2026, that Higashino passed away on July 23, 2026, following a battle with colon cancer.

Higashino was best known internationally for his award-winning thriller "The Devotion of Suspect X"—frequently referred to as "Suspect X"—and his long-running Detective Galileo series. Over a career spanning four decades, his works became pillars of contemporary Japanese crime fiction, celebrated by critics and readers alike for their precise psychological realism and tightly constructed logical puzzles.

His passing comes just ahead of the release of his final novel, "Eternal Memory," which is scheduled to be published on August 5, 2026. The book, another installment in the Detective Galileo series, represents the author's final completed literary work and is expected to draw significant attention from his international readership.

Beyond the page, Higashino's stories have frequently served as the foundation for major film and television adaptations across Asia. A live-action film adaptation of his novel "The Gate of Murder," starring Kento Yamazaki and Kohei Matsushita, remains scheduled for theatrical release on February 19, 2027, demonstrating the enduring demand for his narratives in visual media.

Tributes from publishers, fellow writers, and translators have emerged globally following the announcement. Industry figures have noted that while Higashino's passing leaves a profound void in contemporary crime writing, his extensive bibliography and upcoming releases will continue to shape the genre for years to come.