Japan was an exciting place to be in the 1500s. During the 1550s - 60s, the Sengoku daimyo, or "feudal lords" of the time had survived the conflicts and wars of the last century and began to move into an even fiercer time of conflict. Japan was divided, and many suffered from this division. It's speculated that around this time, Yasuke was born. His exact birthplace is unknown, with many scholars believing he could've been born in the Kingdom of Kongo, a pre-colonial kingdom located in West Africa, in the modern-day Democratic Republic of Congo. Others speculate that he may have been born in Mozambique, Nigeria, or even Ethiopia.
The details of how and why Yasuke ended up in Japan are a bit unclear. Some believe he may have been taken there as a free man who became a servant on a mission to spread Christianity. Others believe that he left Africa as a mercenary. He also may have been brought to Japan as a slave - though, it doesn't seem as though it could have been the same situation as the Trans-Atlantic slave trade to the Americas. Yasuke could've been taken captive in battle or sold into slavery by a third party. Overall, slavery bringing Yasuke to Japan seems unlikely.
Author Thomas Lockley, who co-authored a book about Yasuke claims he eventually met an Italian Jesuit missionary by the name of Alessandro Valignano. This chance meeting led to Yasuke traveling with Alessandro to India, and later to Japan in 1579, working as a quasi-bodyguard - the promissory "muscle." According to Lockley, this explanation makes the most sense. Eventually, this time with Alessandro in Japan made Yasuke the first known black man to set foot in the country, and his experience there led him into service as a Samurai for Oda Nobunaga, a daimyo of the Owari Province, who became Japan's first feudal unifier.
Join Jen and Cam in episode 25 as they discuss the mysterious life of Yasuke, Japan's first African Samurai. Despite the lack of extensive details of his life, Yasuke lived an incredible one and played a poignant role in Japanese history. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed learning about Yasuke!
History Out of The Box strives to connect our listeners with the echoes of our collective past, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with famous historical figures.