Key Co-Founder Jun Maeda Diagnosed With Pharyngeal Cancer

Visual Arts President and CEO Genki Tenkumo has shared an official statement disclosing that Key co-founder Jun Maeda has received a diagnosis of pharyngeal cancer. According to the company, Maeda has decided to pursue palliative care following the diagnosis. Visual Arts is currently accepting written messages and letters of encouragement for the creator while requesting that fans refrain from sending physical gifts.

The announcement also addressed the status of Maeda's ongoing creative contributions, indicating an effort to conclude his active tasks where feasible. For the role-playing game Heaven Burns Red, his work on Chapter 6—which encompasses story writing and musical compositions—will represent his current commitments. Additionally, an upcoming music initiative planned for YouTube featuring multiple original tracks will see its in-development songs completed and published.

Maeda is widely celebrated across the gaming landscape for co-founding the visual novel studio Key and authoring influential works such as Clannad, Kanon, Air, and Little Busters. His latest major endeavor, Heaven Burns Red, remains available for PC and mobile platforms as the studio manages his transition away from long-term project duties.