Yasuke: The African Samurai Who Fought Alongside Nobunaga

**The Story of the Legendary Warrior**

Originally published April 30, 2021, 1:42 PM EDT

Introduction

In 1579, an African man known as Yasuke arrived in Japan. His arrival caused a great stir, as he was the first African samurai to ever serve in the country. Yasuke's story is a fascinating one, and it sheds light on the complex history of race and culture in Japan.

The Life of Yasuke

Yasuke was born in Mozambique in the 1550s. As a young man, he was captured by slave traders and sold to a Portuguese merchant. Yasuke was eventually brought to Japan, where he was purchased by the powerful daimyo Oda Nobunaga. Nobunaga was impressed by Yasuke's strength and intelligence, and he soon became one of his most trusted retainers.

Yasuke fought alongside Nobunaga in many battles, and he quickly became a legend among the samurai. He was known for his bravery and his skill in combat. Yasuke also served as a diplomatic envoy for Nobunaga, and he helped to establish relations between Japan and other countries.