Endo Shusaku Literary Museum

Sotome is a peaceful area in Nagasaki City, renowned as the setting

for Shusaku Endo’s acclaimed novel “Silence.” The region is blessed

with abundant natural beauty encompassing the sea, mountains, and

rivers, alongside a unique Christian history and culture. In particular,

the area where the Shusaku Endo Literary Museum stands is widely

known as the model for the hidden Christian village depicted in

“Silence,” one of Endo’s most notable masterpieces.

The literary museum offers a magnificent, panoramic view. One can

witness the sun as it majestically sets over the Sea of Goto, along with

the “Silence” Literary Monument in Shitsu Culture Village.

Shusaku Endo and the Sotome area are deeply linked through “Silence.

” This profound bond, forged while Endo was writing the novel, continues

to this day and is beautifully preserved through the establishment of

this literary museum.

Following Shusaku Endo’s death, this Literary Museum was established

thanks to the generosity of his family. It is filled with Endo’s personal

belongings, mementoes, manuscripts, and his extensive collection of

books.

The museum’s exhibits trace the footsteps of Shusaku Endo as one of

Japan’s greatest literary figures. In addition, the facility collects, preserves,

and exhibits research materials for public perusal, operating as an

information center for his life and works.

Note : “Silence” by Shusaku Endo

“Silence” is a 1966 novel of theological fiction by author Shusaku Endo,

published in English by Peter Owen Publishers. It is the story of a Jesuit

missionary sent to 17th-century Japan, who endures persecution in the time

of Hidden Christians that followed the defeat of the Shimabara Rebellion.

The recipient of the 1966 Tanizaki Prize, it has been called “Endo’s supreme

achievement” and “one of the twentieth century’s finest novels.” Written

partly in the form of a letter by its central character, the theme of a silent

God who accompanies a believer in adversity was greatly influenced by

the Catholic Endo’s experience of religious discrimination in Japan, racism

in France, and a debilitating bout with tuberculosis.