Jeff Taylor - Yasuke (African Samurai): The Life and Legend of Japans First African Samurai

Yasuke

(African Samurai)

The Life and Legend of Japans First African Samurai

Jeff Taylor

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 its 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, its 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 wasnt 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 everyones attention, including Nobunaga Odas. The two met and formed an unlikely friendship in no time, and together they battled in the name of the Oda clan throughout Yasukes 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 Odas 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 daimyos death to his son before the downfall of the Oda clan, too.

As one of Japans 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, its important to examine Yasukes 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 Yasukes life as a samurai and his deep connection with Oda. His role in society and as an upholder of the bushido code becomes clearer when examining him through the lens of historical accuracy, too.

Yasuke made a name for himself and cemented his place in history by fighting alongside Nobunaga Oda. His unique experiences make him stand out as a deeply interesting and intriguing figure in Japanese history. By learning about his place in this history, it becomes more possible to connect to Yasuke as a real human figure from the past and to understand the short but significant part he played in helping to unify Japan.

Japan in the 16th Century

J

apans 16th century saw a period of great unrest. During this period, the country spent a great deal of time at war with itself and struggling with internal changes affected by its powerful caste system. This challenging era was known as the Sengoku period, which technically spanned the time from 1467 to 1615.

In order to understand why Yasuke holds historical and cultural significance, its important to first explore the history and culture of 16th century Japan. This time period saw a lot of changes, political turmoil, and societal reform. It brought about violence and fear but eventually led to a nation that became unified for the first time.

Yasuke was just one of the many players in this nationwide drama. However, his role impacted society at the time in more ways than he could have realized.

Historic Context

T he Sengoku period lasted about 150 years and included many important events in Japanese history. It began with a conflict between families, and eventually, after a lot of battles, death, and upheaval, brought about the unification of the country.