Yugen, who is involved in the production of *Heaven Burns Red*, responded to Visual Arts’ announcement regarding Jun Maeda’s health condition by posting on his X account, reflecting on the production process so far and sharing his thoughts on the future.
It’s been nearly seven years. To bring Mr. Maeda’s story to life
Yugen is the illustrator responsible for the character designs and main visuals for *Heaven Burns Red*. Jun Maeda is in charge of writing the scenario and composing the music for the game.
In this post, he explained that, following the announcement regarding Mr. Maeda, he wanted to document his journey so far and his current resolve. Reflecting on his role, he noted that his goal was to use the designs and main visuals to spark interest in the work and guide readers to engage with the scenario.
He noted that, in preparing for the project, he changed his artistic style, mindset, and lifestyle. He said he went through a process of trial and error in refining the designs to present the characters to the world in the best possible light.
While acknowledging that he has sometimes had doubts about his work, he explained that he will do his best as a creator bringing this work to life. It has been nearly seven years since he first became involved, and despite staff changes and shifts in roles, he expressed his determination to fulfill his duties until the very end of *Heaven Burns Red* so that it becomes a work Mr. Maeda can be proud of.
Jun Maeda Has Already Written the Major Portions Up to the Conclusion of Chapter 6
Regarding Mr. Maeda, who is in charge of the scenario and music for *Heaven Burns Red*, Visual Arts/Key announced on October 19 that he had been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. They explained that, in accordance with his wishes, he has chosen to focus on palliative care during his recovery.
According to the announcement, in addition to the sections he was responsible for up to the first half of Chapter 6, he has already written the main portions of the story leading up to the conclusion of Chapter 6. Regarding the music, he has reportedly completed the lyrics and composition for the first half of Chapter 6.
Yugen described the creative process as not a straight path, but rather one in which the chemistry between team members emerges through trial and error. Looking back, he reflected that what they had been striving for together was “the success of the work and the journey leading up to the final chapter.”
