Key's Jun Maeda Discloses Pharyngeal Cancer, Chooses Palliative Care
Visual Arts and its brand Key announced on October 19, 2026 that Jun Maeda has been diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer. Maeda felt discomfort in his throat in early spring 2026 and swelling and pain in summer, then received a diagnosis after detailed examinations at a medical institution. The announcement states that, after weighing his condition and treatment prospects, Maeda chose not to undergo aggressive treatment and instead receive care centered on palliative care so he could conserve his strength and continue creative work. He is hospitalized. Key says Maeda has completed his share of the Heaven Burns Red main story through the conclusion of Chapter 6, including lyrics and music for the first half of Chapter 6, and that further scenario and song work may not be possible as the illness progresses. A planned long-term YouTube music project has been changed to finishing existing songs for release in sequence.