Keigo Higashino: Well-known Japanese Author that You Might be Hear About

Keigo Higashino---born on February 4, 1958, in Osaka, Japan---is a well-known and prolific author who specializes in complicated crime and mystery books. Higashino's early life did not bode well for his future success as a writer. He began his profession in engineering after graduating from Osaka Prefecture University. This expertise in engineering had a significant impact on his later work, particularly his ability to create carefully complex storylines full of logical puzzles and scientific principles. Higashino didn't enter the literary scene until his mid- 20s, when he submitted a novel to the Edogawa Rampo Prize competition, one of Japan's top awards for mystery writers. His debut piece, "Hkago" (After School), won the prize in 1985, commencing his full-time writing career.

Higashino's globally recognized work is "The Devotion of Suspect X" ("Ygisha X no Kenshin", 2005), part of his "Detective Galileo" series. The novel became a phenomenon, gaining Higashino the "Naoki Prize", one of Japan's most coveted literary honors. "The Devotion of Suspect X" is a fascinating story about a mathematician who tries to cover up a crime by using his knowledge to build an apparently unassailable alibi. The novel's intricate narrative structure, rich character development, and philosophical implications pushed it above the standard detective genre, earning it international acclaim. It was adapted into films in Japan, Korea, and China, cementing Higashino's status as an international author.

 

Another prominent series by Higashino is the "Kyoichiro Kaga" series, which follows Detective Kaga, a sharp-witted, introspective detective. The novel "Malice" ("Akui", 1996) is standout in this series, praised for its investigation of deception, motivation, and the deeper psychological currents that underpin criminal behavior. Higashino's portrayal of Kaga as a methodical detective compliments his thorough plots, which frequently leave readers thinking about human nature long after the mystery has been solved.

Aside from his trilogy, Higashino has published single novels that explore the darker aspect of human emotion and psychology. "Journey Under the Midnight Sun" ("Byakuyak", 1999) is a dramatic two-decade story about two childhood buddies whose lives are entwined by terrible secrets and murder. This book, like many of Higashino's works, investigates the  moral complexities of its characters, prompting the reader to challenge traditional concepts of good and evil.  Higashino's 2008 piece "Salvation of a Saint" ("Seijo no Kysai") showcases his ability  to combine emotional drama and academic riddles.

Higashino's work is distinguished by its logical and scientific clarity, which is most likely due to his engineering background. His novels frequently include heroes who solve crimes using scientific reasoning, such as Yukawa from the "Detective Galileo" series, who uses physics to assist the police. Higashino's innovative approach to crime-solving distinguishes him from many typical mystery writers, providing an added dimension of interest to his works.

 

Despite his achievements, Higashino keeps a relatively low profile, rarely interacting with the media or the public. His solitary nature contrasts with the international acclaim his work has gained. Interestingly, Higashino's love of puzzles and logic games parallels the difficult puzzles his characters frequently face, implying a strong personal connection to the intellectual challenges that define his novels. He has published more than 90 books, including short story collections, demonstrating his variety and commitment to the craft of storytelling.