Yasuke
Yasuke (弥助; born c. 1555) was a retainer of the Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga and the only African samurai in history. In 1579, the Portuguese Empire brought him as a slave to the port city of Sakai.[2][3] According to the Chronicle of Nobunaga, he entered into Oda's service a few years later after capturing his attention as the first African man he had ever met and impressing him with his strong stature and intelligence.[3] In 1581, he invaded Iga Province on behalf of his lord, devastating the region.[2][3] Despite having destroyed Fujibayashi Naoe's home, Yasuke later allied himself with the young Iga Assassin.[4]
Personality and traits
Yasuke was a thoughtful and intelligent man, who was able to learn the Japanese people's language, customs, and martial arts quickly upon arriving in their country. His respect for the local culture enabled his adaptation to his new environment.[4] These qualities, alongside his physical prowess and aptitude in combat, were what earned him Oda Nobunaga's respect.[3] His down-to-earth sensibilities complemented the fiery and passionate temperament of his later ally Fujibayashi Naoe.[4]
Equipment and skills
On the battlefield, Yasuke was a powerful warrior capable of slaying multiple enemies with ease. Apart from his mastery of the katana, his great physical strength permitted his use of the kanabō while he was also skilled in the arquebus.[3][5]
Behind the scenes
Yasuke is a historical figure who will star as one of the two protagonists of the 2024 video game Assassin's Creed: Shadows. He is being portrayed by the Zimbabwean actor Tongayi Chirisa.
Yasuke incorrectly appears with dreadlocks in the promotional materials. His head should be shaved while being a slave of Portuguese Jesuits and he should wear a chonmage while living among the Japanese.
Gallery
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Concept art
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Concept art
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Closeup
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Yasuke in his armor leading an army of soldiers
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Closeup of Yasuke during the attack on Iga
Appearances
- Echoes of History (first mentioned)
- Assassin's Creed: Shadows (first appearance)
Notes
- ↑ In the Shinchō Kōki, a chronicle of Oda Nobunaga, Yasuke was described as being roughly 26 years old when he met the warlord in 1581.
References
- ↑
Yasuke on Wikipedia
- ↑ 2.0 2.1
Assassin's Creed Shadows: Who Are Naoe and Yasuke? on the Ubisoft YouTube channel
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4
Assassin's Creed Shadows Explained – Samurai, Shinobi, and Feudal Japan on the Ubisoft YouTube channel
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2
Assassin's Creed Shadows: Official World Premiere Trailer on the Ubisoft YouTube channel
- ↑ Purslow, Matt (15 May 2024). Assassin’s Creed Shadows: 40 Details You Need To Know. IGN. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved on 16 May 2024.
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