VISUAL ARTS/Key announced that their scenario writer, lyricist, composer, and music producer, Jun Maeda, has been diagnosed with throat cancer and is currently hospitalized. After carefully considering his condition and treatment prognosis, he has decided against aggressive treatment, prioritizing conserving his strength to continue creating, and will focus on palliative care during his recovery.
The announcement stated that Jun Maeda strongly wishes to continue creating until the very end. He has long been involved with Key's works, with representative titles including AIR, CLANNAD, and Angel Beats!, primarily responsible for scenario writing and music composition.
Jun Maeda is currently primarily responsible for Heaven Burns Red and a new music project. The storyline for Heaven Burns Red up to Chapter 6 has been completed, along with the first part of the related songs; whether he can continue participating in the latter part of the songs and subsequent content will depend on his physical condition.
Regarding the new music project, Jun Maeda aims to complete the content currently in development as soon as possible and release it gradually on YouTube. He was previously hospitalized in 2016 due to heart issues and underwent a heart transplant; his health remained relatively frail after discharge.