Keigo Higashino, a master of Japanese mystery novels who was beloved in Korea through numerous bestsellers such as "Miracles of the Namiya General Store" and "Devotion of Suspect X," passed away on July 23rd at the age of 68 following a battle with colon cancer. The sad news was reported on July 27, 2026.

In particular, his masterpiece "Miracles of the Namiya General Store" sold over 1 million copies cumulatively in Korea alone and ranked in the top 10 best-selling books of the past decade, leaving a deep impression on domestic readers. "Devotion of Suspect X," featuring a genius high school math teacher, and the "Galileo" series, starring a genius physicist, also received widespread acclaim.

Born in Osaka Prefecture, Japan in 1958, Keigo Higashino graduated from the electrical engineering department of Osaka Prefecture University and began writing while working as an engineer. At the age of 27 in 1985, he made his debut with the mystery novel "After School," winning the prestigious Edogawa Ranpo Prize and quickly emerging as a rising star in Japanese mystery literature. Subsequently, he established himself as a master of mystery fiction representing Japan.

Since his debut, he created numerous masterpieces and gained recognition for both literary merit and popular appeal. He won the Naoki Prize and the Honkaku Mystery Award for "Devotion of Suspect X" and received the Japan Mystery Writers Association Award for "Secret." Beyond these, his works spanning genres such as "Malice" and "Masquerade Life" swept major literary awards including the Japan Central Review Literary Prize.

[Photo=Yonhapnews]

Keigo Higashino was known as a prolific writer who authored an extensive body of 106 works, excluding co-authored pieces. His creative passion was so intense that people wondered whether it was truly possible for a single writer to produce such a large volume of work. His works sold approximately 109 million copies domestically in Japan and were published in 41 countries, demonstrating his worldwide influence. In recognition of these achievements, he received a decoration from the Japanese government in 2023.

Even while battling colon cancer, his commitment to writing inspired awe in many. He was scheduled to publish "Eternal Memory," the latest full-length novel in the "Galileo" series, on the 5th of next month (August 5, 2026). This work is expected to be his final legacy.

Following the wishes of his family, the funeral was held as a private family service, and the publisher Kodansha plans to announce a farewell gathering in the future. Major Japanese media outlets including NHK covered his death with significant coverage and expressed condolences. Though the "godfather of mystery novels" Keigo Higashino, beloved by readers in Korea and around the world beyond Japan, has departed, his vast body of work comprising 106 pieces will live on eternally in readers' hearts, transcending time. His works will remain an immortal legacy that expands the horizons of mystery fiction and inspires future writers.