'Clannad' and 'Angel Beats' creator Jun Maeda prioritises work over treatment after cancer diagnosis

Jun Maeda has chosen palliative care following throat cancer diagnosis to focus on completing his creative projects

Jun Maeda, the creator behind Clannad and Angel Beats, has been diagnosed with throat cancer and chosen to focus on palliative care rather than active treatment, according to a statement from Visual Arts.

The company confirmed on October 19 that Maeda is hospitalised following his diagnosis. He began experiencing throat discomfort in early spring, with swelling and pain becoming more pronounced over the summer, prompting further medical examinations.

“After careful consideration of his condition and the outlook for treatment, Maeda has chosen not to pursue active treatment and instead to focus on palliative care, wishing to conserve his strength and devote himself to his creative work,” Visual Arts said.

Despite his condition, Maeda remains focused on completing projects for fans. He has finished his assigned writing for the main story of Heaven Burns Red through the first half of Chapter 6, as well as the major story elements leading to the chapter’s conclusion.

He has also completed the lyrics and composition for songs featured in the first half of the chapter. However, Visual Arts warned that the progression of his illness could prevent him from contributing to other story scenarios and songs.

Maeda, who also worked as a planner and writer on Angel Beats and composed music for the anime, had been developing an original music project intended to release new songs on YouTube over an extended period.

His diagnosis has prompted him to accelerate those plans so he can complete the music currently in development and share it with listeners.

“He felt that there was little time remaining in which he would be able to continue creating,” the company said.

Visual Arts added that Maeda remains determined to continue his creative work despite being hospitalised.

“Maeda is currently hospitalized, but even under these circumstances, he remains strongly determined to devote himself to creative work through to the very end,” the statement said.

Fans can send messages of encouragement using the email address provided in Visual Arts’ official English statement. The company has also supplied a postal address for letters, while asking supporters not to send gifts.