A recently discovered letter from Ryotaro Shiba, a prominent Japanese historical novelist, honors Takeshi Kaiko, acknowledging him as one of Japan's most significant writers of the 20th century. The letter, written on two sheets of A3-sized paper in December 1989, was addressed to Kaiko's wife, poet Yoko Maki, shortly after Kaiko's death at 58 from complications related to esophageal cancer. Kaiko, an Akutagawa literary prize winner, is celebrated for his impactful works, including 'Hadaka no Osama' and 'Kagayakeru Yami,' as well as his contributions to literature through various mediums, including a whiskey commercial and his reporting on the Vietnam War. This letter not only sheds light on Kaiko's legacy but also reflects the deep respect Shiba had for his fellow writer.