The Samurai

novel by Endō

Also known as: “Samurai”

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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Shūsaku Endō's novel The Samurai (1980) is a historical fiction that explores the complex interactions between cultures. The story follows a samurai's journey on behalf of his shogun to establish trade with Mexico, Spain, and Rome. This narrative delves into the challenges and nuances of cross-cultural encounters, a recurring theme in Endō's work, which often examines the relationship between East and West through a Christian perspective. The novel is considered among his best writing, showcasing a supple and well-told narrative.12

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Endō Shūsaku
Other fiction
… and the novel Samurai (1980; The Samurai)—a fascinating account of a samurai’s journey on behalf of his shogun to open trade with Mexico, Spain, and Rome—are considered Endō’s best writing, showing the complexities of the interactions between cultures as well as presenting a supple and well-told narrative.
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… and the novel Samurai (1980; The Samurai)—a fascinating account of a samurai’s journey on behalf of his shogun to open trade with Mexico, Spain, and Rome—are considered Endō’s best writing, showing the complexities of the interactions between cultures as well as presenting a supple and well-told narrative.
Read More