Arrival in Japan
Yasuke arrived in Japan in 1579, serving Italian Jesuit Alessandro Valignano. His presence caused a sensation, drawing crowds in Kyoto. Oda Nobunaga, the powerful warlord, summoned Yasuke out of curiosity. Upon meeting him, Nobunaga was so fascinated that he had Yasuke wash his skin, believing it was painted.
Becoming a Samurai
Nobunaga took Yasuke into his service, granting him a name, a house, a stipend, and a sword. Yasuke became the first foreign-born samurai on record. He accompanied Nobunaga on military campaigns and was often seen at his side. Historical accounts describe him as exceptionally strong, standing over six feet tall.
The Honnō-ji Incident
On June 21, 1582, Nobunaga was betrayed by his general Akechi Mitsuhide. Yasuke fought alongside Nobunaga’s forces but was captured. Mitsuhide spared him, reportedly sending him back to the Jesuits, stating he was a foreigner.
Disappearance from History
After Nobunaga’s death, Yasuke vanished from historical records. Jesuit letters confirm he survived the incident, but his later fate remains unknown.
In 1579, Yasuke arrived in Japan as a servant to Jesuit missionary Alessandro Valignano. His dark skin and height caused a sensation, drawing crowds in Kyoto. Reports suggest he stood around 6 feet 2 inches tall, towering over most Japanese of the time.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/KvWcdINytf
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) February 22, 2025