Japanese writer Junichi Watanabe dies at 80

File photo of Japanese writer Junichi Watanabe.

TOKYO - Junichi Watanabe, a Japanese writer who was famous for his novel "A Lost Paradise" died of prostate cancer at the age of 80 in Tokyo, local media reported Monday.

Watanabe, an orthopedist-turned-writer, is known for his portrayal of extra-marital affairs of middle aged people. He passed away on April 30 in his home, his family told reporters.

He has written more than 50 novels in total, and won awards including Naoki Prize in 1970 for "Light and Shadow," New Current Coterie magazine prize for "Makeup", the Yoshikawa Eiji Prize in 1979 for"The Setting Sun in the Distance."

Many of his works were made into films and TV miniseries. Sapporo city has set up a museum to commemorate this native Hokkaido novelist.