Jun Maeda, the creator behind Angel Beats!, Clannad, Kanon, Air, Little Busters! and Charlotte, has been diagnosed with pharyngeal (throat) cancer.

Visual Arts, the company behind the Key brand he co-founded, announced the news on October 19. Maeda first felt discomfort in his throat in early spring this year, and his symptoms worsened over the following months. He is currently in hospital.

After considering his condition and treatment outlook, Maeda chose palliative care instead of active treatment, so he can devote his remaining strength to his creative work.

He has already finished writing the main story of Heaven Burns Red up to the first half of Chapter 6, along with its music. He is also working to finish the songs he already has in progress and release them on YouTube as soon as possible.

Thank you for every tear, every song and every story, Maeda-sensei.