Hidden Histories: The African Samurai and the Assassin

The True Story of Yasuke, a Legendary Black Warrior in Feudal Japan

By Thomas Lockley, Co-Author of "African Samurai"

In the annals of Japanese history, the tale of Yasuke, the African samurai, is a forgotten gem. A slave brought to Japan by the Portuguese, Yasuke rose through the ranks of Oda Nobunaga's army to become a legendary warrior.

His presence in feudal Japan was a paradox—an African man in a society defined by its rigid hierarchy and cultural isolation. Yet, through his unwavering loyalty and exceptional skills, Yasuke earned the respect of his peers and a place in history as an iconic figure.

Now, the upcoming release of "Assassin's Creed Shadows" will bring Yasuke's story to a new generation. The decision to include him in the game was not only a testament to his historical significance but also an acknowledgment of the often-overlooked role played by people of color in shaping world events.

A Tale Of Courage And Perseverance

Historical Figure Yasuke: Inspiration for Netflix Anime Series

A Tale of Courage and Perseverance

Yasuke, the eponymous character in the 2021 Netflix anime series of the same name, is a fictionalized representation of a real-life historical figure from the 16th century.

The Historical Yasuke

Hailing from Africa, Yasuke arrived in Japan in 1579 as a slave of a Jesuit missionary. His imposing physique and combat skills soon caught the attention of warlord Oda Nobunaga, who took Yasuke as his personal bodyguard and granted him samurai status.

As a samurai, Yasuke fought alongside Nobunaga in numerous battles, earning respect and admiration for his bravery and loyalty. However, after Nobunaga's death in 1582, Yasuke's fate became uncertain, with historical records disappearing into obscurity.

The Netflix Anime

The Netflix anime series "Yasuke" takes inspiration from the historical figure, crafting a captivating tale that combines historical elements with fantasy and action. Set in a feudal Japan plagued by mechs and magic, the series follows Yasuke's journey as he protects a young girl with mysterious powers.

The series explores themes of identity, cultural difference, and the resilience of the human spirit, while also paying homage to the real-life Yasuke's legacy as a groundbreaking figure in Japanese history.

Conclusion

Yasuke, both the historical figure and the anime character, stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who overcome adversity. His story of courage, belonging, and transcending societal boundaries continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the globe.

Yasuke: The Extraordinary Black Samurai of Japan

A Legendary Figure from the Sengoku Period

Introduction

Amidst the tumultuous tapestry of Japan's Sengoku period, a remarkable figure emerged from the annals of history - Yasuke, an African man who rose to the rank of samurai under the legendary daimyō Oda Nobunaga. His extraordinary journey, from distant shores to the heart of feudal Japan, has captivated imaginations for centuries.

Origins and Arrival in Japan

Born in the mid-16th century on the African continent, Yasuke's origins remain shrouded in mystery. Some historians speculate that he hailed from Mozambique, while others suggest Ethiopia as his birthplace. In 1579, Yasuke arrived in Japan as part of a Jesuit delegation led by Alessandro Valignano. His imposing stature, estimated to be over 6 feet tall, and distinctive dark skin immediately drew attention and curiosity among the Japanese.

Service Under Oda Nobunaga

Nobunaga, one of the most powerful and influential daimyō of his time, was intrigued by Yasuke's unique appearance and perceived strength. He invited Yasuke to join his household as a retainer. Yasuke eagerly accepted, embracing the Japanese warrior culture and devoting himself to Nobunaga's service. His exceptional combat skills and unwavering loyalty quickly earned him respect and admiration among his fellow samurai.

Rise to Prominence

Yasuke's rise within Nobunaga's ranks was meteoric. His prowess on the battlefield and his unwavering courage impressed both his fellow samurai and his opponents. In 1581, he fought alongside Nobunaga at the Battle of Yamazaki, playing a pivotal role in securing victory against the rebel forces. Yasuke's reputation as a fierce warrior and a formidable samurai continued to grow throughout the region.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Yasuke's story has transcended time, becoming a symbol of resilience, cultural exchange, and the indomitable spirit of the human race. His presence in feudal Japan shattered preconceived notions of race and ethnicity, demonstrating that courage and determination know no boundaries. Yasuke's legacy continues to inspire generations, serving as a reminder of the interconnectedness of cultures and the power of individual determination to overcome adversity.

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The Man Who Defied History

The Legendary Yasuke: An African Samurai in Feudal Japan

The Man Who Defied History

The story of Yasuke is a remarkable tale of courage, loyalty, and cultural exchange. This African warrior, who arrived in Japan during the 16th century, rose to the rank of samurai under the rule of the powerful feudal lord, Oda Nobunaga.

From Foreign Shores to Nobunaga’s Court

Yasuke's origins remain shrouded in mystery, but scholars speculate that he likely hailed from what is now Mozambique. He arrived in Japan as part of a Jesuit mission from Portugal, eventually coming into the service of Nobunaga.

Yasuke Oda Nobunaga

Yasuke: A Historical Samurai Figure of African Origin

Introduction

Yasuke, born in the mid-1550s, was a man of African origin who served as a retainer to the Japanese daimyō Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period (1581-1582).

A Samurai of African Descent

Yasuke is believed to have been a skilled warrior who eventually rose to the rank of samurai, a prestigious class of warriors in feudal Japan. He is considered a significant historical figure due to his unique background, having been the first known African to hold such a position in Japanese history.

Service Under Nobunaga

Yasuke initially arrived in Japan in 1579 as part of a Jesuit mission from Mozambique. He was presented to Oda Nobunaga in 1581 and quickly gained the warlord's trust. Yasuke's exceptional swordsmanship and martial skills impressed Nobunaga, and he was granted the status of samurai and became a member of Nobunaga's elite household guard.

Yasuke fought alongside Nobunaga in several battles, including the Battle of Yamazaki in 1582, where he displayed great courage and loyalty. However, following Nobunaga's assassination in 1582, Yasuke's fate became uncertain.

Legacy and Impact

Yasuke's story has captivated historians and the public alike, highlighting the remarkable influence of diverse individuals in shaping historical events. His presence in Japan during the Sengoku period challenges traditional narratives and reflects the complexity of global interactions.

Animated GIFs on LinkedIn: Enhance Your Posts and Engage Your Audience

The Power of GIFs

Animated GIFs are a fantastic way to add life to your LinkedIn posts. They can help you convey emotions, reactions, and ideas more effectively than static images. By incorporating GIFs into your posts, you can grab attention, increase engagement, and make your content more visually appealing.

Five Auto-Animated Styles in Canva's Free Version

If you're new to using GIFs, Canva offers five auto-animated styles in its free version to get you started. These styles make it easy to add movement and animation to your images without any technical skills. Simply choose a style and upload your image, and Canva will do the rest.

How to Put a GIF in a LinkedIn Post

Adding a GIF to a LinkedIn post is simple. Just download an easy-to-use tool like Giphy or Imgur, which offer a wide selection of animated GIFs. Once you've found a GIF you like, download it and upload it to your LinkedIn post as you would an image.

Bold, Underline, and Italic Text in LinkedIn Posts

In addition to GIFs, you can also use bold, underline, and italic text to format your LinkedIn posts. This can help you emphasize important points, draw attention to specific words or phrases, and make your text more visually interesting.

Why Use GIFs on LinkedIn?

There are many benefits to using GIFs on LinkedIn, including:

• Increased engagement: GIFs are more likely to be noticed and engaged with than static images.
• Improved reach: Posts with GIFs tend to have a higher reach than posts without GIFs.
• Added creativity: GIFs can help you express your creativity and make your content more unique.
• Increased brand awareness: Using GIFs can help you increase brand awareness and make your brand more memorable.

How to Share GIFs on LinkedIn

If you're not sure how to share GIFs on LinkedIn, follow these five easy steps:

1. Download a GIF tool like Giphy or Imgur.
2. Find a GIF you like and download it.
3. Upload the GIF to your LinkedIn post.
4. Add a caption and tags.
5. Post your GIF and start engaging with your audience.

Animated GIFs on Google Image Search Auto-play with Extension

Easy GIF Searches

A new Chrome extension makes it easier to search for GIFs on Google Image Search. The extension, called Play the GIF, automatically plays animated GIFs in the search results, making it easier to find the perfect GIF for your needs.

How to Use the Extension

To use the extension, simply install it from the Chrome Web Store. Once installed, the extension will automatically play animated GIFs in the Google Image Search results. You can also click on the extension's icon in the toolbar to manually play or pause any GIF.

The extension is a great way to find and use GIFs, and it's sure to make your online experience more fun and enjoyable.