Exploring The Mysterious Tale Of Yasuke, The Black Samurai Of 16th-Century Japan (2024)

During the 16th century, Japan experienced internal divisions and was largely cut off from the outside world. The country was divided into provinces, each controlled by local feudal lords called daimyōs, resulting in a nation that remained relatively isolated. This changed with the Age of Exploration, which saw European explorers reach many parts of the world, including Japan.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to set foot in Japan, bringing with them their language, religion, and the practice of slavery. Many enslaved individuals, taken from their homes in Africa and forced into servitude on Portuguese ships, were often compelled to accompany their new masters as they traveled.

However, one of these enslaved people who arrived in Japan managed to rise through the ranks to become a samurai, achieving a prestigious status in his new country. This remarkable individual is now recognized as Yasuke — the Black samurai.

Who Was Yasuke?

Like many enslaved individuals from centuries past, there is limited information about Yasuke's early life. Some theories suggest that he might not have been a slave at all and may have had a background as a warrior, which could have aided his rise to becoming a samurai in Japan.

According to the book Japan's Minorities, Yasuke was likely born in Mozambique and arrived in Japan in the late 16th century alongside an Italian Jesuit missionary named Alessandro Valignano. However, other historians propose that he may have originated from different African countries, such as Ethiopia or Nigeria.

Valignano was among the first Europeans to introduce Christianity to the Far East, and much of what we know about Yasuke's remarkable journey comes from the letters of his fellow Jesuit, Luis Frois.

In 1579, Yasuke would have been one of the first Africans to ever visit Japan and later became known as the first Black samurai. According to Ancient Origins, Frois noted that Yasuke's appearance caused quite a sensation among the Japanese people. Reports claim that several locals even broke down the door of the Jesuit residence just to see him, and some individuals tragically lost their lives in the chaos that followed.

Eventually, the news of this extraordinary man reached a curious daimyō.

How Yasuke Became A Samurai

A daimyō named Oda Nobunaga significantly influenced Yasuke's life during his time in Japan.

While Nobunaga is primarily known for his efforts in unifying Japan and controlling nearly half of the country's provinces, he also had a strong interest in European culture and its various aspects. He utilized his authority to protect the Jesuits and even assisted them in constructing their church in Kyoto.

Given Nobunaga's close ties with the Jesuit community, it was inevitable that he would learn about Yasuke, who had been brought to Japan by a Jesuit. Nobunaga soon expressed a desire to meet him.

According to The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga, when Yasuke was introduced to Nobunaga, he was described as a tall young man whose "strength surpassed that of ten men." He was reported to be over six feet tall, a remarkable height that made him tower over most Japanese men of that era, whose average height was just above five feet.

The intrigued daimyō was so captivated by Yasuke that he believed his skin must have been dyed with ink. To verify this, Nobunaga ordered Yasuke to remove his shirt and scrub his body to demonstrate that his skin tone was genuine. Nobunaga was also struck by Yasuke's impressive height. Although Yasuke spoke only a little Japanese, he managed to impress Lord Nobunaga, who reportedly enjoyed their conversations.

Yasuke made such a strong impact on Nobunaga that he was invited to join his service, receiving a sum of money, a house, and a katana as part of his new status. From then on, Yasuke became a vital member of Nobunaga's entourage, faithfully serving him and ultimately being honored as a samurai in 1581. Just like that, he transitioned from being seen as a piece of European property to a member of the Japanese elite.

The Black Samurai's Final Years

Although Yasuke achieved an impressive status as a Black samurai in Japan, his extraordinary career would soon come to an end. In 1582, Nobunaga was betrayed by Akechi Mitsuhide, a man he believed to be one of his loyal followers. Instead, Mitsuhide orchestrated a coup that led to Nobunaga's sudden and violent demise.

During the climactic battle between Nobunaga's forces and those of Mitsuhide, Yasuke fought valiantly, determined to protect Nobunaga's castle. However, his efforts ultimately proved futile.

When a wounded Nobunaga realized he had no way to escape, he chose to end his life through seppuku — a brutal ritual where a samurai disembowels himself with a dagger and either bleeds out or has someone else behead him — instead of surrendering.

Despite the grim situation, Nobunaga and Yasuke might have shared a final moment of connection. Before taking his own life, Nobunaga is said to have asked Yasuke to complete the ritual by beheading him and then delivering his head to his son. Historians view this request as the highest expression of trust between them.

Following Nobunaga's tragic suicide, Yasuke sought to serve Nobunaga's son, but he too took his own life after being overrun by Mitsuhide's forces. Rather than choosing to die by seppuku, Yasuke surrendered his sword to Mitsuhide, adhering to Western customs. Because of this, Mitsuhide claimed that Yasuke was not a true samurai.

However, despite rejecting Yasuke, Mitsuhide did not kill him. Instead, he was sent back to the Jesuits, who were reportedly relieved that he had survived. Like Yasuke's early life, the details of his later years remain unclear. According to the BBC, he is documented in history only from 1579 to 1582, fading into obscurity after his encounter with Mitsuhide.

After leaving a brief mark on history, Yasuke is said to have spent the rest of his life with the Jesuits. Since then, he has appeared in numerous books and, more recently, in television shows, including the Netflix anime series Yasuke in 2021. While much about his life remains a mystery, one thing is clear: his extraordinary journey as a samurai will always be remembered.