ObituaryAsia mourns Japanese mystery novelist Keigo Higashino, who died at 68
Fans took to social media to mourn the death of Higashino, who published more than 100 books
Japanese mystery fiction author Keigo Higashino died from colon cancer on July 23 aged 68, triggering an outpouring of grief among fans across Asia.
Higashino wrote more than 100 books. His works have been translated and published in more than 40 countries and territories and widely adapted for film and television.
A statement posted on Higashino’s X account said that the author’s “published works, from his debut novel After School, released in September 1985, to his latest book Eternal Memory, scheduled for release on August 5, 2026, total 106 books. The stories he created will continue to captivate many readers.”
Known for his versatility, the award-winning novelist worked as an engineer before switching to writing full-time.
His books merge science and detective fiction with acute observations on human nature and heartwarming tear-jerkers, according to major bookshop chain Maruzen Junkudo.
Higashino, whose books include The Devotion of Suspect X (2005) and Malice (1996), enjoyed a loyal following around Asia, including in China, where thousands of people took to social media to mourn the writer.