Author Keigo Higashino passed away on July 23, 2026, at the age of 68. The news was announced on July 27 via the official X (formerly Twitter) account managed by the seven publishers handling his works.
Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1958, Higashino graduated from the Department of Electrical Engineering at Osaka Prefecture University. While working as an engineer, he won the 31st Edogawa Ranpo Prize in 1985 for his debut novel Houkago. He went on to receive numerous accolades, including the 52nd Japan Mystery Writers Association Award for Himitsu, the 134th Naoki Prize for Yougisha X no Kenshin (part of the Galileo series), the 7th Chuo Koron Literary Award for Namiya Zakkaten no Kiseki, and the 48th Yoshikawa Eiji Literary Prize for Inori no Maku ga Oriru Toki. His novels have been widely adapted into live-action dramas, films, and stage productions.
First Anime Film Adaptation
In January 2026, Higashino’s works saw their first anime film adaptation with Kusunoki no Ban’nin. The film was directed by Itou Tomohiko, known for Sword Art Online, Erased, and HELLO WORLD, and produced by A-1 Pictures.
Upcoming Reading Play
Following a 2024 performance, the second installment of the “Roudokugeki Galileo Series” was scheduled for August 15, 2026. Titled Roudokugeki Galileo Series: Yougisha X no Kenshin, the reading play features popular voice actors including Eguchi Takuya, Namikawa Daisuke, Nakamura Shungo, and Ishii Misa.
The official X account stated: “He passed away in the early hours of July 23. We hereby express our deepest condolences and inform you of this.” The account also noted that Higashino’s published works, excluding co-authored titles, total 106 books, from his debut Houkago (September 1985) to his upcoming latest novel Eien no Kioku, scheduled for release on August 5, 2026. “The stories he created will continue to captivate many readers. Please continue to enjoy Higashino’s novels,” the account added.
