Hideyuki Matsubara, the celebrated author of the children's mystery series "Password," passed away on the 18th at his home in Tokyo at the age of 76. Known for captivating young readers with stories of boys and girls using computers to solve mysteries, Matsubara published a total of 49 books in the series, starting with "The Password is 'Secret'" in 1995. His works have sold an impressive 3.98 million copies, establishing him as a beloved figure in children's literature in Japan.

The series, which captures the imagination of children through its engaging narrative and relatable characters, highlights themes of friendship and the joy of solving puzzles, making it a staple in children's reading lists. Following his passing, the editorial department of Kodansha’s Aoi Tori Bunko, which has published the series, released a statement expressing their condolences and reflecting on the lasting impact of Matsubara's work on generations of children. They noted that many young readers grew to love books through his stories.

Matsubara's legacy is significant not only in the sales figures but also in the hearts of those who grew up reading his books. His influence in encouraging children to read and engage with literature will be remembered as part of Japanese cultural heritage. Future generations will continue to discover the magic of his storytelling, and his contributions to the genre will certainly endure in the world of children's literature.