Who Is Yasuke? Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Black Samurai Explained

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to transport players to 16th-century Japan, a land embroiled in conflict and intrigue. While the game features a Japanese protagonist – the daughter of a renowned ninja master – it also introduces Yasuke, a Black samurai based on a real historical figure. This makes Yasuke the first historically documented person to feature as a playable protagonist in the franchise. His story is one of cultural exchange, acceptance, and ultimately, loyalty, making him a compelling choice for an Assassin’s Creed narrative.

Origins

The early life of Yasuke remains shrouded in mystery. Although his birth name is lost to history, many historians believe he originated from West Africa. Some theories suggest that he may have been enslaved and trafficked during his childhood. The specifics of his journey out of Africa are also vague, though some scholars posit he served as a mercenary. The historical record picks up when he enters the service of Alessandro Valignano, an Italian Jesuit missionary.

• Born likely in West Africa.
• Possibly enslaved as a child.
• Served as a bodyguard to Italian Jesuit missionary Alessandro Valignano.

Nobunaga’s Black Samurai

Yasuke’s life took a dramatic turn upon arriving in Japan with Valignano in 1579. The towering African man immediately captured the attention of the locals with his unique appearance. In 1581, during a visit to Kyoto, Valignano met Oda Nobunaga, a powerful daimyo who was in the process of unifying Japan. Nobunaga was captivated by Yasuke’s presence and requested his service.

• Met Oda Nobunaga in 1581 in Kyoto.
• Nobunaga was fascinated by Yasuke’s appearance.
• Became a member of Nobunaga’s inner circle.

Nobunaga, fascinated by Yasuke’s imposing stature and strength, took him into his service. Accounts describe Yasuke as incredibly strong and intelligent, making him a valuable addition to Nobunaga’s retinue. It is said that Nobunaga had never seen a black person before and doubted Yasuke’s skin color, ordering him scrubbed to confirm it wasn’t paint. Impressed, Nobunaga bestowed upon him the rank of samurai, a rare honor for a foreigner.

Nobunaga’s Downfall

Yasuke’s time serving Nobunaga was unfortunately cut short. In 1582, Oda Nobunaga was betrayed by one of his own generals, Akechi Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide launched a surprise attack on Nobunaga at the Honnō-ji temple in Kyoto. Facing certain defeat, Nobunaga committed seppuku, a ritual suicide. Tradition suggests that Yasuke played a role in preserving Nobunaga’s honor, possibly by securing his head to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

• Served Nobunaga for roughly a year.
• Nobunaga was betrayed by Akechi Mitsuhide in 1582.
• Yasuke was present at the Honnō-ji temple during the attack.
• Legend says Yasuke protected Nobunaga’s head after his seppuku.

Following Nobunaga’s death, Yasuke is believed to have joined forces with Nobunaga’s son, Oda Nobutada. However, they were overwhelmed by Mitsuhide’s forces. The last historical record of Yasuke indicates that he was escorted by Mitsuhide’s troops to a Jesuit mission. Mitsuhide did not execute Yasuke; the reason for this remains unclear. This marks the end of Yasuke’s known historical journey.

Pop-Culture Legacy

Despite the relatively short period he spent in the historical record, Yasuke has become a figure of significant interest and inspiration in popular culture. His story has been adapted into various forms of media, including novels, manga, anime, and video games. These portrayals often highlight his unique position as a Black samurai and the cultural exchange he represents.

• Inspired numerous works of fiction and media.
• Featured in novels, manga, and anime series.
• Appeared in video games such as the Nioh series.
• A testament to his lasting impact and intriguing story.

The upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows provides a new opportunity to explore Yasuke’s story and character. The game will likely delve into his experiences in Japan, his relationship with Nobunaga, and the challenges he faced as an outsider navigating the complex political landscape of feudal Japan. Through this portrayal, Assassin’s Creed Shadows aims to shed light on a fascinating figure and his important place in history.