Endō Shūsaku Books

Now a major film.With an introduction by Martin ScorseseFather Rodrigues is an idealistic Portuguese Jesuit priest who, in the 1640s, sets sail for Japan on a determined mission to help the brutally oppressed Japanese Christians and to discover the truth behind unthinkable rumours that his famous teacher Ferreira has renounced his faith. Once faced with the realities of religious persecution Rodrigues himself is forced to make an impossible choice: whether to abandon his flock or his God.Winner of the 1966 Tanizaki Prize, Silence is Shusaku Endo's most highly acclaimed novel and a classic of its genre. It caused major controversy in Japan following its publication in 1967.

Set in 17th-century Japan, this historical fiction follows a perilous expedition to Nueva España, where a zealous Spanish missionary and a disillusioned Samurai seek redemption and lost family lands. The narrative explores deep themes of faith and identity against the backdrop of political intrigue and the persecution of Christians in Japan. With its vivid re-creations and emotional depth, the book offers a poignant reflection on human courage and endurance, earning acclaim as one of Shūsaku Endo's most atmospheric works.

In novels such as Silence, Endo Shusaku examined the persecution of Japanese Christians in different historical eras. Sachiko, set in Nagasaki in the painful years between 1930 and 1945, is the story of two young people trying to find love during yet another period in which Japanese Christians were accused of disloyalty to their country.

With an introduction by Martin ScorseseBeneath the light of the candle I am sitting with my hands on my knees, staring in front of me. And I keep turning over in my mind the thought that I am at the end of the earth, in a place which you do not know and which your whole lives through you will never visit.It is 1640 and Father Sebastian Rodrigues, an idealistic Jesuit priest, sets sale for Japan determined to help the brutally oppressed Christians there. He is also desperate to discover the truth about his former mentor, rumoured to have renounced his faith under torture. Rodrigues cannot believe the stories about a man he so revered, but as his journey takes him deeper into Japan and then into the hands of those who would crush his faith, he finds himself forced to make an impossible choice: whether to abandon his flock or his God. The recipient of the 1966 Tanizaki Prize, Silence is Shusaku Endo's most highly acclaimed work and has been called one of the twentieth century's finest novels. As empathetic as it is powerful, it is an astonishing exploration of faith and suffering and an award-winning classic. 'One of the finest historical novels written by anyone, anywhere . . . flawless' David Mitchell'A masterpiece. There can be no higher praise' Daily Telegraph

A group of Japanese tourists embarks on a journey that reveals their personal struggles and connections. As they explore a foreign land, the characters confront their pasts, cultural identities, and the complex emotions tied to loss and memory. The narrative intertwines their individual stories, highlighting themes of belonging, nostalgia, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Through their experiences, the novel captures the beauty and challenges of human relationships and the impact of travel on self-discovery.

A play based on real-life events in 1633, 100 years after Christianity was introduced to Japan. From the author of Silence.

Suguro, a respected and famous Catholic writer, finds his life scandalized by accusations that he frequents the red-light district, and he soon discovers an imposter who forces him to question his own moral character.

Exploring themes of love, grief, and maternal longing, this collection features a newly discovered novella alongside five poignant short stories by acclaimed Japanese author Shūsaku Endō. The narratives delve into deep emotional landscapes, revealing the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of loss. Through Endō's sensitive storytelling, readers are invited to reflect on the profound connections that shape our lives.

The acclaimed short stories of the master Japanese writer.