Yasuke: The Black Samurai

We are dedicated to researching and sharing the mysterious but true story of the first foreign-born Samurai, Yasuke The African Samurai.

With all the upcoming hype (films, tv, books, Anime, comics, etc.) surrounding Yasuke it is important that we understand the truth about this legendary samurai of 16th century feudal Japan. Despite what you will hear he was samurai and there’s a good chance he was never a slave.

Join us on our quest for truth and knowledge.

Latest Yasuke Articles

Who is Yasuke?

Yasuke art by Felipe Perez Feig
Yasuke art by Felipe Perez Feig

Yasuke (pronounced Yas-kay) was the first foreign-born samurai in 16th century feudal Japan. History tells us he came to Japan in 1579 while working as a guard for a high ranking Jesuit named Alessandro Valignano. While in Japan, he was noticed by one of the most integral figures in feudal Japan, Oda Nobunaga. There is a debate about why, but for various reasons, Yasuke became a samurai. Yasuke is an important figure in Japan, because his role as a foreign samurai, created similar opportunities for foreign samurai, including William Adams, the English navigator, whose story most are familiar with through James Clavell’s Shogun.

YASUKE The Black Samurai Pronounced Yas-Kay

Yasuke has gained international notoriety for being the first foreign samurai, despite the fact that his story has been in the atmosphere for more than half a century. In the wake of Black Panther, the entertainment industry sees the potential for movie bling and has now expressed increased interest in the African warrior’s story. Don’t be surprised to see many Yasuke / Black Samurai projects in the near future.

@yasukeblacksamurai on Instagram
Instagram: @yasukeblacksamurai

Featured Yasuke Articles

This series of articles by Illmatical takes an in-depth look into the little known true story of Yasuke and at the same time examines Samurai influence on African-American and popular culture.

Here’s Why Yasuke The African Samurai Could Never Have Been a Slave

Was Yasuke the African samurai a slave? Or was he much more? Deborah DeSnoo and Floyd Webb’s forthcoming documentary proves Yasuke was a skilled warrior and possibly a prodigy.

Forgotten Fury: Rise of The Black Samurai [aka Yasuke’s Liquid Sword]

Acknowledging the African-American men and women who embody the modern samurai spirit and honor facets of Japan’s warrior code. 8 true stories of modern-day martial artists following in the footsteps of the legendary first Black samurai Yasuke.

Forgotten Fury: Chronicles of Yasuke

Highlighting existing and upcoming Black samurai projects in media: film, books, comic books, television, and video games.

Yasuke: The Soul of The Sword

Al Yisrael, martial artists turned master storyteller, has teamed up with Robert Parham, champion martial artist turned movie maker. Through their film project, they plan on revealing a great mystery associated with the samurai — the question remains, are you ready for The Soul of the Sword?

African Samurai Book Review & Interview with Author Thomas Lockley

African Samurai, written by Thomas Lockley and Geoffrey Girard is the first English book on Yasuke, the first foreign samurai to serve in Japan. During this interview, Lockley discusses his motivations for the book, which creatively introduces readers to Yasuke’s story and the world of feudal Japan.

Black Panther to Black Samurai: Chadwick Boseman to Star in MGM flim ‘Blood of Yasuke’

Chadwick Boseman the Black Panther himself will star in the upcoming MGM film ‘BLOOD OF YASUKE’. Originally the project was reported to be titled ‘BLACK SAMURAI’. Currently, the film is in pre-production.

BLACK SAMURAI: LEGEND OF YASUKE Film by Mandlakayise Walter Dube

Award-winning director Mandlakayise Walter Dube has announced his latest film project, BLACK SAMURAI: LEGEND OF YASUKE. This production is special because it is the story of Yasuke, told through the vision of an African director. Dube has teamed with novelist and screenwriter Sabelo Mgidi, for the script and has partnered with the Kwa-Zulu Natal Film Commission.

cover art for "African Samurai" by Thomas Lockley & Geoffrey Girard. Art by Sam Hadley
cover art for “African Samurai” by Thomas Lockley & Geoffrey Girard. Art by Sam Hadley

Yasuke on Social Media

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