Yasuke (African Samurai): The Life and Legend of Japan’s First African Samurai

By Jeff Taylor

Brought to Japan in the 16th century by Portuguese traders, he was the first person of African origin who became an instant celebrity. Rumored to be about 7 feet tall, and possessing the strength of 10 men, he garnered the attention of the famed warlord, Oda Nobunaga. He served his master diligently through many battle victories. He is most famously associated with the title of African Samurai. This is the story of Yasuke.

 

Not much is known about Yasuke. From the historical accounts that are available, we know that, despite his intimidating demeanor, he was a gentle person. This was the first impression Nobunaga had of him when he first saw him surrounded by a large curious crowd in Kyoto. Being taken to immediately, he frequently accompanied the warlord and even dined with him personally which was a rare occurrence at the time.

 

Come and meet the legendary non-Japanese figure in Japanese history. This wonderful book will help you acquire unique insights into Yasuke's life and times.

 

Here's a preview of what you'll discover in this book:

• Yasuke's origins, his travels and how he ended up in Japan
• The cultural context in Japan, and how Yasuke was perceived
• How Yasuke met Nobunaga and deepening of their association
• How Yasuke became a samurai warrior
• Adopting the Bushido Code
• Before and after Nobunaga's death
• ..... and much more!

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: MG Publishing
• Release date: Dec 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781386544609

Book preview

Yasuke

(African Samurai)

The Life and Legend of Japan’s First African Samurai

Jeff Taylor

Table of Contents

Introduction

Japan in the 16th Century

Historic Context

Cultural Context

The Sheltered World of Sengoku Japan

The Arrival of Yasuke

Circumstances of Yasuke’s Arrival

Japan’s Reaction to Yasuke

Yasuke as Part of Japanese Society

Yasuke and Oda

Who Was Nobunaga Oda?

Oda’s Fondness for Yasuke

Yasuke’s Role as a Samurai

Work and Requirements as a Samurai

Living by the Bushido Code

During and After Oda’s Death

Conclusion

Yasuke’s Enduring Legacy

Yasuke’s Portrayal in Modern Entertainment

Introduction

T

he Sengoku period of Japanese history is fraught with drama, bloodshed, and battles. This time is known as the Warring States period and marks centuries of war between the different factions and clans that were in control in Japan at the time. Throughout the Sengoku period, Japan saw significant changes in its governmental structure and its social class system, many of which revolved around the samurai.

The samurai, which began as a military class in the 11th century, had enjoyed significant respect and power for centuries. In the Sengoku period, some rebel groups started to push back against the samurai as well as the caste system of feudal Japan, and civil wars broke out all around the country. At the same time, clans fought for control of land and territories, and samurai were roped into these battles, often going to war with other samurai and factions in the name of the daimyo they served. It seemed everyone was at war with someone during this period of Japanese history.

Several samurai took center stage throughout the Sengoku period and beyond, but none brought with them as much mystery and excitement as Yasuke. Yasuke was the first and only African man to become a samurai, and he was also the only non-Japanese man who served under Nobunaga Oda. Although he only worked as a samurai for around a year, he made a tremendous impact on Japanese society at the time and found himself involved in the push to unify the country under a single ruling power.

Little is known about Yasuke, but it’s possible to piece together a great deal about his life from the letters and written records that are available. By working to understand the culture of Japan at the time as well as the impact of European nations on the country as a whole, a clearer picture of Yasuke comes into view. And through examining the culture of Japan and its secluded nature up to and including the Sengoku area, it’s easy to understand why Yasuke stood out the way he did and how he managed to make so many waves in such a short amount of time.

During Sengoku Japan, it was uncommon to encounter anyone who wasn’t Japanese. The few foreign visitors who did make their way to the country were usually white Europeans, and so the majority of Japanese citizens had never seen a black man in their lives before encountering Yasuke. His presence gained everyone’s attention, including Nobunaga Oda’s. The two met and formed an unlikely friendship in no time, and together they battled in the name of the Oda clan throughout Yasuke’s short but sweet experience as a samurai.

Although there had been other foreign-born samurai before Yasuke, none of them had been from Africa. Even still, none of them had stood out so prominently as the favorite of their daimyo the way Yasuke did. He was beloved by Oda and remained one of Oda’s right-hand men throughout the time they knew each other. He was even present when Oda died, and some accounts believe he played a part in taking the news of the daimyo’s death to his son before the downfall of the Oda clan, too.

As one of Japan’s most famous historical black figures, Yasuke remains important and relevant even today. Understanding his life, experiences, and the personal strides he made during his life in Japan can help cultivate a more solid comprehension of the racial issues within Japan at the time. Similarly, it’s important to examine Yasuke’s life while keeping in mind where he came from and how much hardship he worked through to achieve the prestigious social standing of samurai.

There is a lot of historical, cultural, and societal context to understand when learning about Yasuke. With this information, it becomes easier to create a clear image of Yasuke’s life as a samurai and his deep connection with Oda. His role in society and as an upholder of the