Heaven Burns Red Writer Jun Maeda Chooses Palliative Care

Jun Maeda, the writer and composer behind the Key visual novels Clannad and Air, has chosen palliative care after being diagnosed with throat cancer, Kotaku reported. Publisher Visual Arts announced the news on its X account on October 19.

Maeda is also the creator behind the mobile game Heaven Burns Red, and the announcement spells out what his condition means for its final story chapter and for his other music plans.

What Visual Arts Announced

Inven Global reported that Maeda first noticed throat discomfort in early spring. Swelling and severe pain followed as summer approached, and detailed examinations led to a diagnosis of pharyngeal cancer.

He is currently in hospital. After repeatedly reviewing his condition and prognosis, Maeda decided against aggressive treatment. He opted for care focused on relieving symptoms so he could keep his strength for creative work.

Visual Arts apologised to fans for the sudden news. It said Maeda still wants to dedicate himself to creating until the very end.

Heaven Burns Red's Final Chapter

Heaven Burns Red is a hero-collector RPG that launched in 2022 as a collaboration between Visual Arts and WFS. Players lead girls who wield a weapon called the Seraph. Chapter 6, the last chapter of the main story, was teased in August.

Maeda has finished all of his assigned scenario writing, lyrics and music composition up to Part 1 of Chapter 6. Key story sections leading to the end of Chapter 6 are also written, according to the announcement.

Depending on how his condition develops, Visual Arts said Maeda may not be able to write scenarios or compose songs directly beyond that point.

New Music Project and Fan Messages

Maeda had been preparing a new music project, originally intended for a long-term release on YouTube. With his remaining production time limited, the plan has changed.

He wants to finish the songs he currently has in mind as quickly as possible and deliver them to fans, and the finished tracks will go up on YouTube one after another.

Visual Arts has set up an email address and a mailing address for messages of encouragement. Maeda will not be able to reply to individual messages, but the publisher said every letter will be passed on to him. Gifts other than letters will be declined.

Maeda's credits include the visual novels Kanon, Little Busters! and Angel Beats!, the last of which also became an anime. He currently handles the original concept, main scenario and music for Heaven Burns Red.

The post Heaven Burns Red Writer Jun Maeda Chooses Palliative Care After Throat Cancer Diagnosis appeared first on Stevivor.