VISUAL ARTS President & CEO, Genki Tenkumo, announced that Jun Maeda, co-founder of visual novel brand Key, has been diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer. Maeda started experiencing discomfort in his throat starting in early spring with the pain becoming more pronounced in the summer. In terms of care, Maeda has opted to focus on palliative care instead of active treatment in order to conserve his strength and devote himself to his creative work.
The statement provided updates regarding Maeda’s activities going forward. The updates pertain to his work on Heaven Burns Red and a new music project. For Heaven Burns Red, Maeda has completed his parts for the first half of Chapter 6’s main story as well as the lyrics and composition for the featured songs in Chapter 6’s first half. He has also finished creating the main story elements that will carry Chapter 6 to its conclusion. For the new music project, Maeda planned to launch it on YouTube and release newly created songs over a long term. However, due to his diagnosis and limited time to continue creating, Maeda has decided to complete the songs currently in development as quickly as possible. The new songs will be released sequentially on YouTube at Maeda’s request.
Jun Maeda is a co-founder of visual novel brand Key. He is well known for his contributions in creating visual novels such as Kanon, AIR, CLANNAD, and Little Busters! as well as original anime such as Angel Beats!, Charlotte, and The Day I Became a God. Though Maeda is currently hospitalized, he is determined to devote himself to his creative work to the very end.
For those wanting to send Maeda messages or letters of encouragement, an email address and mailing address were provided at the end of the announcement. The company asks that fans refrain from sending gifts or other get-well items. Fans should only send letters to the mailing address.
E-mail: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
Park Tower 17F, 2-10-70 Nambanaka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka 556-0011, Japan
VISUAL ARTS Co., Ltd. / ATTN: Jun Maeda
