# Shūsaku Endō

> author from Japan (1923–1996)

**Wikidata**: [Q316217](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316217)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shūsaku_Endō)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shusaku-endo

## Summary
Shūsaku Endō was a Japanese author and novelist who lived from 1923 to 1996. He is best known for his 1966 novel *Silence* and is widely recognized as a significant literary figure in Japan, having received prestigious honors such as the Order of Culture and the designation of Person of Cultural Merit.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 27, 1923
- **Died**: September 29, 1996
- **Nationality**: Japan (Empire of Japan, Japan)
- **Education**: Keio University, Sophia University
- **Employer(s)**: Keio University
- **Occupations**: Novelist, Writer, Screenwriter, University Teacher, Playwright, Biographer
- **Known for**: Authoring the novel *Silence* (1966)

## Contributions
Shūsaku Endō's primary contribution to literature is his authorship of the novel *Silence*, published in 1966. His body of work spans various literary forms, including novels, screenplays, plays, and biographies. His literary legacy is preserved at the Endo Shusaku Literary Museum, which was established on May 13, 2000.

## FAQs
**What awards did Shūsaku Endō receive?**
Endō received numerous accolades including the Akutagawa Prize, Tanizaki Prize, Yomiuri Prize, Noma Literary Prize, and the Mainichi Publication Culture Award. He was also named a Person of Cultural Merit and received the Order of Culture and the Order of St. Sylvester.

**Where was Shūsaku Endō educated?**
He attended Keio University, a private university in Tokyo, and Sophia University, also a private university in Tokyo.

**What is Shūsaku Endō's most famous work?**
His most notable work is the novel *Silence*, published in 1966.

**What was Shūsaku Endō's profession?**
He worked as a novelist, writer, screenwriter, playwright, and biographer. He also worked as a university teacher.

## Why They Matter
Shūsaku Endō holds a distinct place in Japanese literature as a prominent author who explored complex themes, evidenced by his reception of the nation's highest cultural honors. His work began influencing the literary scene starting in 1954, and his impact is cemented by the establishment of a dedicated museum in his honor. His recognition extends internationally, as indicated by his receipt of the Papal Order of St. Sylvester.

## Notable For
- Author of the novel *Silence* (1966)
- Recipient of the Order of Culture
- Designated as a Person of Cultural Merit
- Recipient of the Order of St. Sylvester
- Winner of the Akutagawa Prize, Tanizaki Prize, Yomiuri Prize, and Noma Literary Prize
- Subject of the Endo Shusaku Literary Museum (established 2000)
- Alumnus of Keio University and Sophia University

## Body
### Early Life and Identity
Shūsaku Endō was born on March 27, 1923. He held citizenship in Japan and the Empire of Japan. He is identified by his Japanese name 遠藤 周作 and aliases Endō Shūsaku and Shusaku Endo.

### Education and Academic Career
Endō pursued his higher education at two prominent private institutions in Tokyo: Keio University and Sophia University. His professional career later intersected with academia when he became a university teacher. His affiliation with Keio University extended to employment, linking him to an institution founded in 1858.

### Literary Career
Endō's active work period began in 1954. Throughout his career, he functioned in multiple literary capacities: as a novelist, writer, screenwriter, playwright, and biographer. His most significant work, *Silence*, was published in 1966. This novel remains a key reference point for his legacy.

### Awards and Recognition
Endō received extensive recognition for his contributions to literature. His awards include:
- **Akutagawa Prize**: A semi-annual Japanese literary award established in 1935.
- **Tanizaki Prize**: A Japanese literary award established in 1965.
- **Yomiuri Prize**: An award established in 1949.
- **Noma Literary Prize**: An award established in 1941.
- **Mainichi Publication Culture Award**: A Japanese award established in 1947.
- **Order of Culture**: A Japanese order established in 1937.
- **Person of Cultural Merit**: A Japanese recognition and honor.
- **Order of St. Sylvester**: A Papal Order of Knighthood established in 1841.

### Legacy
The Endo Shusaku Literary Museum was established on May 13, 2000, to preserve and showcase his work. The museum is located in Japan. Endō passed away on September 29, 1996.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. [Hyōgo Prefectural Museum of Art](https://www.artm.pref.hyogo.jp/bungaku/jousetsu/authors/a13/)
5. LIBRIS. 2017
6. [Source](http://www.bunshun.co.jp/shinkoukai/award/akutagawa/list.html)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Japan Search
9. CiNii Research
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/30/arts/shusaku-endo-is-dead-at-73-japanese-catholic-novelist.html)
12. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
13. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
14. SNAC
15. Find a Grave
16. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
17. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
18. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. CONOR.SI
21. Quora
22. The Movie Database
23. Catalogo of the National Library of India