TOKYO –
Keigo Higashino, the Naoki Prize-winning creator whose prolific profession produced such bestsellers as Journey Under the Midnight Sun and The Devotion of Suspect X, died of colon most cancers within the early hours of July 23, his writer mentioned. He was 68.
According to Kodansha, Higashino, a local of Osaka Prefecture, printed greater than 100 books after making his literary debut in 1985 with After School. He leaves behind 106 works, together with Eternal Memory, which is scheduled for publication on August 5.
Higashino received the Naoki Prize in 2006 for The Devotion of Suspect X, one among his best-known thriller novels. Speaking at a news convention after receiving the award, he recalled his disappointment at repeatedly failing to win the prize in earlier years.
“Every time I lost, I would drink away my frustration, and we would all complain about the selection committee,” Higashino mentioned. “I was a boy who really hated books, so I have always wanted to write novels that even someone like the book-hating person I once was could enjoy.”
Higashino produced quite a few bestsellers throughout a profession spanning greater than 4 a long time, and plenty of of his works had been tailored into movies and tv dramas.
Members of the general public expressed shock on the sudden news of his demise. One individual mentioned they owned paperback editions of a number of of his novels that had been tailored for movie, whereas one other mentioned it could be troublesome for one more author of his caliber to emerge.
Higashino acquired the Noma Publishing Culture Award in 2019, which acknowledges excellent contributions to publishing and literary expression. In his acceptance remarks, he spoke of his dedication to proceed writing entertaining novels whereas supporting the publishing trade and future generations of authors.
“Today is the youngest day of the rest of our lives, including the future that begins tomorrow,” Higashino mentioned. “Today holds the greatest possibilities for the life ahead. I want to continue writing good novels – although perhaps I should not be the one calling them good – that readers can enjoy. I hope I can help the publishing industry earn even a little more and allow young writers to grow.”
Higashino was recognized for his exceptional productiveness, publishing greater than 100 books after his 1985 debut. His works have offered roughly 109 million copies in Japan.
Television broadcaster TBS tailored a number of of his works into drama sequence, together with Journey Under the Midnight Sun, Meteor Bonds and Newcomer.
Actor Hiroshi Abe, who starred within the 2010 tv drama Newcomer, mentioned Higashino’s demise had left him deeply saddened.
“Being able to appear in Newcomer became a major turning point in my career as an actor,” Abe mentioned. “I am sincerely grateful for the connection I had with Higashino. I offer my deepest condolences and pray that he may rest in peace.”
Source: YOMIURI