As 'Heaven Burns Red' prepares for its Main Story Final Chapter update, news has emerged that scenario writer and composer Jun Maeda, a creator with Visual Arts/Key, is battling throat cancer.
Visual Arts Co., Ltd. (CEO Genki Amagumo) issued an official statement today (October 19) via its official social channels regarding the health status and future creative activities of creator Jun Maeda. Maeda is a key figure who has led the scenario writing and music for flagship titles at Key, Visual Arts' bishojo game brand, including 'AIR', 'CLANNAD', 'Angel Beats!', and 'Heaven Burns Red'.
According to the announcement, Maeda experienced discomfort in his throat starting early spring this year, and as swelling and severe pain developed going into the summer, detailed medical examinations revealed a diagnosis of pharyngeal cancer. Currently hospitalized, Maeda repeatedly reviewed his condition and prognosis, and driven by a strong personal desire to conserve his strength and focus on creative work for his remaining time, he opted for palliative (hospice) care focused on symptom relief rather than aggressive treatment.
Accordingly, updates on the progress of 'Heaven Burns Red' and a new project, in which he is participating as a core creator, were also shared.
'Heaven Burns Red' is a hero-collector RPG launched in 2022 as a collaboration between Visual Arts and WFS. It follows girls capable of wielding the decisive weapon "Seraph" as they fight against mysterious entities known as "Cancer." The game gained a strong following by immersively capturing the girls' chaotic daily lives alongside their desperate battles against a threat to humanity's survival, framing the journey with classic JRPG sensibilities and Maeda's signature themes of youth overcoming adversity and a hymn to humanity. In August, the development team teased Chapter 6, the final chapter of the main story, promising to deliver the ultimate final scene.
According to Visual Arts' announcement, Maeda has completed all of his assigned writing, lyrics, and music composition up to Part 1 of Chapter 6, the main story's final chapter. Additionally, key parts of the story leading up to the conclusion of Chapter 6 have also been written. However, Visual Arts explained that depending on how his condition progresses, Maeda may be unable to directly participate in writing scenarios or composing songs beyond that point.
Furthermore, the direction of a new music project that Maeda was preparing as a fresh challenge has also been adjusted. Originally intended for a long-term release on YouTube, the policy was changed to finish the songs currently envisioned as quickly as possible and deliver them to fans, given the limited remaining production time. Per his strong wish, the completed tracks will be released sequentially on YouTube in the future.
Visual Arts provided a dedicated email address and mailing address through which fans can send messages of encouragement and fan letters, stating that while individual replies will not be possible, all received letters will be delivered to Maeda. However, they added that gifts other than letters will be politely declined.
Lastly, Visual Arts expressed, "We apologize to fans and all parties concerned for bringing you this sudden report," adding, "Although Maeda is currently hospitalized, he retains a strong desire to dedicate himself to creative work until the very end, so we ask for your warm support and understanding."
