Fu Jen University hosts symposium on Shusaku Endo's literary and faith legacy

Fu Jen Catholic University hosted the "Shusaku Endo 30th Death Anniversary Academic Forum" on November 14 to commemorate the passing of the literary giant. The grand event took place in the university's Department of Literature auditorium, bringing together domestic and international scholars, writers, and film critics to review Endo's literary heritage and the global impact of his works. Although Endo passed away in 1998, the 30th-anniversary commemoration remains particularly significant as his works continue to provoke thought in literary circles across Japan and worldwide, providing profound inspiration to successive generations of writers and readers.

Shusaku Endo (1923–1998) is one of the key figures in post-war Japanese literature. His creative works focus on profound explorations of human nature and faith, frequently utilizing historical backgrounds to present the inner struggles and contradictions of his characters. His masterpiece, *Silence*, is based on the experiences of 16th-century Portuguese missionaries in Japan, exploring the silence and suffering of religious faith, and has become one of the most controversial and influential novels in the history of Japanese literature. Endo's writing style combines philosophical depth with narrative strength, featuring concise language imbued with rich emotional tension that prompts readers to continuously reflect on their own beliefs and morality.

In 2006, renowned American director Martin Scorsese adapted *Silence* into a feature film of the same name, released globally with English voice casting. The film received numerous accolades at international film festivals, further introducing Endo's story to a broader audience. During the directing process, Scorsese emphasized the symbolic meaning of "silence" within the work and presented the characters' inner torment through visually striking imagery. This film not only brought Endo's name back into global public awareness, but also prompted international scholars to re-examine his literary value, serving as an important bridge for cross-cultural dialogue.

On the day of the forum, Fu Jen Catholic University Department of Literature Professor Chang Ming-che delivered the keynote speech, beginning with Endo's life, creative background, and literary standing, and using *Silence* as an entry point to discuss his impact on post-war Japanese literature. Subsequently, three scholars from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the United States were invited to deeply analyze the multiple layers of Endo's works from three dimensions: religious philosophy, narrative structure, and cinematic adaptation. The forum also featured an interactive Q&A session, allowing students and readers in attendance to raise questions in real time, fostering exchanges between faculty, students, and scholars. In an atmosphere that was both relaxed and rigorous, the event allowed Endo's literary spirit to resonate once again in the hearts of a new generation of readers.

This commemorative forum was not only a tribute to the 30th anniversary of Endo's passing, but also an exercise in cultural heritage and transnational dialogue. Through academic seminars and public discussions, Taiwanese readers gained a deeper understanding of Endo's creative philosophy and reflected on the significance of his works in contemporary society. The forum also provided a platform for Taiwan's literary community to exchange ideas with the international academic circle, fostering anticipation for further research outcomes regarding Endo and his contemporaries to further enrich the content and depth of Taiwan-Japan cultural exchanges. (Source of facts: Central News Agency)