Was Yasuke Actually a Samurai?

Ever since the Assassin’s Creed franchise debuted in 2007, fans have been clamoring for a game set in feudal Japan. This dream has finally come true with the newly unveiled Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which features two protagonists: Naoe, a female ninja, and Yasuke, a real-life historical figure famed for being a Black samurai in feudal Japan. The inclusion of Yasuke has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that his portrayal as a samurai is historically inaccurate. But was Yasuke actually a samurai? Let’s explore the historical evidence.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Yasuke
2. Yasuke’s Arrival in Japan
3. Yasuke’s Relationship with Oda Nobunaga
4. Evidence Supporting Yasuke as a Samurai
5. Arguments Against Yasuke Being a Samurai
6. Conclusion: Was Yasuke a Samurai?
7. FAQs

Introduction to Yasuke

Yasuke is a historical figure from the Sengoku period of Japanese history, known for being the first person of African origin to be documented in Japan. His journey and relationship with one of Japan's most powerful figures, Oda Nobunaga, have fascinated historians and the public alike.

Yasuke’s Arrival in Japan

Yasuke arrived in Japan in 1579, serving under Jesuit missionary Alessandro Valignano. His distinctive appearance drew significant attention, as he was almost certainly the first Black person most Japanese people had ever seen. His arrival marked a significant moment in Japan’s history, as it introduced the presence of Africans in Japanese records.

Yasuke’s Relationship with Oda Nobunaga

In 1581, Yasuke met Oda Nobunaga, a powerful daimyo who was intrigued by Yasuke's appearance and strength. Nobunaga employed Yasuke as his retainer, giving him a Japanese name, a house, and a sword. Yasuke traveled with Nobunaga and became a notable figure in his retinue.

Evidence Supporting Yasuke as a Samurai

1. Nobunaga's Retainer: Yasuke was under the direct employ of Nobunaga, receiving a rice stipend, which aligns with the roles of other samurai of the period.
2. Gift of a Sword: Nobunaga gifted Yasuke a wakizashi, a short sword typically associated with samurai.
3. Warrior Role: Contemporary accounts describe Yasuke fighting with a sword and surrendering it after Nobunaga's death, fulfilling the role of a samurai bodyguard.

Arguments Against Yasuke Being a Samurai

1. Lack of Land Grants: There is no evidence that Yasuke was granted land, a common privilege of samurai.
2. Two-Sword Rule: Yasuke was not documented to wear two swords, a samurai custom that became standardized after his time.
3. Nobility Status: Yasuke was not Japanese nobility, although the Sengoku period did see samurai emerging from various social backgrounds.

Conclusion: Was Yasuke a Samurai?

Based on the historical evidence, Yasuke fulfilled many of the criteria to be considered a samurai during his time. He was a warrior under Nobunaga's direct employ, received a samurai's stipend, and was gifted a samurai sword. While some traditional aspects of samurai status, such as land grants and nobility, were not documented in Yasuke’s case, the flexible nature of the Sengoku period allowed for exceptions. Thus, it is not historically inaccurate for Assassin’s Creed Shadows to depict Yasuke as a samurai.

FAQs

1. Who was Yasuke?

Yasuke was a man of African origin who arrived in Japan in 1579. He became a retainer for Oda Nobunaga, one of the most powerful figures in Japan at the time.

2. Did Yasuke really become a samurai?

While Yasuke may not have fit every traditional criterion of a samurai, he fulfilled the role of a samurai bodyguard under Nobunaga, receiving a stipend and a sword, which aligns him with other samurai of the period.

3. Why is Yasuke’s story controversial?

Yasuke's story is controversial due to debates over historical accuracy and modern interpretations of his role in feudal Japan. Some critics argue that his portrayal as a samurai is anachronistic, while others defend it based on available historical evidence.

4. What role does Yasuke play in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Yasuke is depicted as one of the two main protagonists, a formidable warrior who fights alongside a female ninja named Naoe.

5. How accurate is Assassin’s Creed Shadows in depicting Yasuke?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes creative liberties, as with most historical fiction. However, it is grounded in the historical fact that Yasuke was a prominent figure in Nobunaga's retinue and fulfilled many roles associated with samurai.

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