Who Is Yasuke, the Black Samurai in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?


The brand-new Assassin’s Creed Shadows trailer has been released, generating significant excitement among gamers. Set in the much-anticipated Japanese setting, AC Shadows introduces dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. However, it is Yasuke who has garnered the most attention, as he is based on a real historical figure, prompting curiosity about his identity. To satisfy this curiosity, we delved into available information about Yasuke.

Yasuke in History

While Ubisoft is known for taking creative liberties in their adaptations, Yasuke was indeed a real person in Japanese history, though details about him are limited. His true name remains unknown. According to existing records, Yasuke arrived in Japan in 1579 with an Italian Jesuit missionary named Alessandro Valignano. Encyclopedia Britannica states that Yasuke served as a bodyguard to the Jesuits, who were on missions in the Indies, encompassing regions like East Africa and parts of Asia.

His status upon arriving in Japan remains a mystery, with some suggesting he was a slave and others proposing he was a mercenary.

In 1581, Yasuke met the feudal lord Oda Nobunaga in Kyoto during the height of the Sengoku period. Nobunaga was immediately intrigued by Yasuke’s skin color and requested that the Jesuits transfer Yasuke to his service.

According to “The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga,” written by a servant of the feudal lord, Yasuke was likely around 26-27 years old at that time.

Yasuke accompanied Nobunaga in the 1582 battle against Tokugawa Ieyasu, as documented in the “Ietada Diary” of Matsudaira Ietada. His fate after Nobunaga’s death at the hands of Akechi Mitsuhide in June 1582 remains unknown. Yasuke was present at Honno Temple in Kyoto during these events.

The last recorded detail of Yasuke is that Mitsuhide’s men escorted him to a Jesuit mission house. Some theories suggest Yasuke was exiled to Kyoto with the Jesuits, while more speculative accounts claim he committed seppuku, a form of ritualistic suicide. However, these latter theories should be taken with caution.

Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

According to Ubisoft’s official character introduction video, Yasuke’s story in Assassin’s Creed Shadows closely follows historical accounts. In the game, Yasuke, an African-American, arrives in Japan during the Sengoku era, around 1579.

Brooke Davis, the game’s associate narrative director, notes that Yasuke had intriguing relationships with key Japanese figures like Oda Nobunaga and was involved with significant factions such as the Jesuits and the Portuguese.

In the game, players will see Yasuke alongside Oda Nobunaga in the destruction of the Iga province. Given the game’s Sengoku period setting, Yasuke’s presence on the front lines is fitting, marking the intersection of their destinies.

Yasuke is portrayed as a combat-heavy character in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, embodying his Samurai status. The Black Samurai wields heavy weapons, sustains more damage, and engages in direct, intense combat.

If you’ve watched the Netflix anime series or played Samurai Warriors 5, you’ll already be familiar with Yasuke. Our protagonist is a renowned character who has been featured in various adaptations over the years.

Hopefully, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will further elevate Yasuke’s legacy. Are you excited about this upcoming protagonist? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.


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