Beyond the Best Seller: What Import/Export Businesses Can Learn from a Master Storyteller

When a Beloved Author Passes, We Remember His Craft

On July 27, 2026, the literary world received a jolt. Keigo Higashino, the prolific Japanese crime writer whose name has been on countless school reading lists, had died of colon cancer at 68. He left behind 106 books, including one published posthumously. For aficionados, his work was not just about puzzles; it was about humanity, social critique, and the raw edges of everyday life.

But why would an import/export blog care about a novelist? Because Higashino's journey—from struggling engineer to literary powerhouse—mirrors the path many small trading firms take: early missteps, a pivot, and finally a formula that clicked. His story offers a useful lens for anyone navigating the unpredictable currents of global trade.

Early Days: Finding Your First Market

Higashino started as an engineer, writing at night. His first novel, Magic Ball (1984), lost the Edogawa Rampo Prize, but he didn't abandon the idea. He refined it, and a year later, After School won. That early work was messy—too many elements, not enough focus. Sound familiar? Many first-time exporters try to sell everything to everyone. They cram their catalogs with dozens of products, hoping something sticks. It rarely does.

The lesson? Start narrow. Higashino's early novels, like The White Horse Manor Mystery (1986), were competent but derivative. He was still finding his voice. In trade, that might mean testing a single product line in one market before expanding. It's not glamorous, but it builds a foundation.

The Pivot: When Comfort Zones Fail

By the 1990s, Higashino realized pure puzzle-box mysteries weren't enough. He began weaving in social issues. Malice (1996) isn't just about who killed whom; it's about envy and irrational hatred. Secret (1998) tackles grief, identity, and family—wrapped in a supernatural premise. Under the Midnight Sun (1997–1999) is a sweeping saga of trauma and obsession, set against Japan's economic bubble.

This shift matters. Import/export isn't just logistics; it's about understanding cultures, regulations, and human behavior. A product that works in one country may flop elsewhere because of social or economic context. Higashino didn't ignore context—he embraced it. For a trader, that means doing homework on local customs, not just HS codes.

Finding a Niche: The Power of Specialization

Higashino's most famous series feature two distinct detectives: physicist Manabu Yukawa (the "Detective Galileo" books) and the empathetic cop Kaga. Each series has its own tone. Galileo leans on scientific logic; Kaga's stories are more about human connections. This specialization allowed Higashino to build dedicated readerships.

In import/export, finding a niche is gold. Instead of being a generalist, you can become the go-to for, say, eco-friendly packaging from Vietnam or artisanal ceramics from Portugal. Specialization lets you master the nuances—quality standards, pricing, legal quirks—and build reputation.

Adaptation: From Page to Screen

Higashino's works have been adapted into dozens of films and TV series. Some are great, some are forgettable. The key is that adaptations require translation—not just language, but medium. A novel's internal monologue becomes a actor's glance. A plot twist becomes a camera angle.

For exporters, adaptation means tailoring your product to new markets. Maybe your standard packaging doesn't meet EU recycling rules, or your product's name has a negative connotation in another language. You adapt, or you fail. Higashino didn't control every adaptation, but he often participated, like with the 1999 film Secret, where he co-wrote the script. Good adaptation requires active involvement.

Persistence and Reinvention

Higashino's career wasn't a straight line. He wrote over 20 novels before hitting mainstream success with Under the Midnight Sun. That book won multiple awards and became a bestseller. But he didn't stop. He kept experimenting: Confessions of a Single Heart (2001) deals with gender identity; The Devotion of Suspect X (2005) is a heartbreaking love story disguised as a murder mystery; Flowers for Algernon-style twists appear in Paradox 13 (2009).

In trade, markets shift. Tariffs change, consumer tastes evolve, supply chains break. The ones who survive are those who adapt. Higashino once said, "I don't write for awards; I write because I love it." That passion, combined with pragmatism, kept him going. Import/export professionals need that same blend.

Legacy and Lessons for Traders

Higashino's death at 68 is a reminder that time is finite. He left behind a body of work that will outlive him. For those of us in the business of moving goods across borders, what legacy are we building? Is it just transactions, or are we creating relationships and value?

One of his last works, Eternal Memories (2026), returns to the Galileo series. Even at the end, he was giving fans something new. In trade, that might mean innovating on your product, customer service, or supply chain. Never rest on past successes.

The Human Element

If there's one takeaway from Higashino's fiction, it's that people are complicated. His villains are rarely pure evil; they're products of circumstance. His heroes are flawed. This nuanced view applies to trade too. Your overseas partner might be difficult, but understanding their constraints helps. Your customer might be demanding, but that's because they have their own pressures.

Empathy isn't soft; it's strategic. Higashino's empathy made his stories resonate. In trade, empathy helps you negotiate better, build trust, and retain clients. It's not about being a pushover; it's about seeing the whole picture.

So, as we bid farewell to a literary giant, let's not just mourn. Let's learn. Whether you're a first-time exporter or a seasoned importer, remember Higashino's arc: start narrow, adapt relentlessly, specialize, and never lose the human touch. That's a recipe for success in any market.