Maeda Jun Diagnosed with Pharyngeal Cancer, Opts for Palliative Care to Continue Creating

Maeda Jun, the writer and composer known for visual novels such as Kanon, Air, Clannad, and Little Busters!, has been diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer. Visual Arts/Key announced the news on Monday, saying Maeda has chosen to forgo active treatment in favor of palliative care so he can conserve his strength and continue his creative work.

Diagnosis and treatment decision

According to the company’s announcement, Maeda began experiencing throat discomfort in early spring, with swelling and pain becoming more pronounced over the summer. A detailed medical examination later confirmed the diagnosis. After carefully considering his condition and the outlook for treatment, he decided to prioritize palliative care instead of pursuing active treatment. He is currently hospitalized but remains determined to devote himself to his creative pursuits.

Previous hospitalization in 2016

Maeda faced a serious health crisis in 2016 when he was hospitalized in late February after experiencing health problems. After his discharge on July 2, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting the heart muscle. At the time, he described his survival as a miracle and expressed his determination to keep moving forward and creating more works. He later disclosed that a heart transplant remained the ultimate goal of his treatment.

Heaven Burns Red and music plans

Visual Arts/Key also provided an update on Maeda’s ongoing projects, including Heaven Burns Red, the mobile role-playing game for which he contributes scenario writing and music.

Maeda has completed his assigned portions of the main story through the first half of Chapter 6, along with all major story elements needed to bring the chapter to its conclusion. He has also finished writing the lyrics and composing the songs featured in the chapter’s first half. However, the company cautioned that his participation in subsequent scenarios and music production may be limited depending on how his illness progresses.

Maeda had also been developing plans for a new original music project intended to release songs on YouTube over an extended period. Following his diagnosis, he decided to change those plans and prioritize completing the songs currently in development as quickly as possible. At his request, the finished works will be released on YouTube sequentially.

Support messages and career highlights

Visual Arts/Key apologized to fans and industry partners for the sudden announcement and asked them to respect Maeda’s wishes as he continues his creative work. The company invited supporters to send letters and messages of encouragement, noting that individual replies will not be possible but that all correspondence will be delivered to him. Gifts and other get-well items will not be accepted.

Maeda, 51, is widely recognized for his contributions to the visual novel and anime industries, working across scenario writing, lyrics, and composition. In addition to the Kanon, Air, Clannad, and Little Busters! visual novels, his notable works include the original anime Angel Beats! and Kamisama ni Natta Hi.

Despite his diagnosis, Maeda remains determined to continue creating and bringing his planned works to fans. Visual Arts/Key has asked fans to offer their understanding and respect his wishes as he focuses on the projects he hopes to complete.