Yasuke's Legacy: Historian Defends African Samurai's Role in Assassin's Creed Shadows

Japanese historian Yu Hirayama has shared his perspective on the inclusion of Yasuke, the African samurai, in the upcoming game Assassin's Creed Shadows. Fans and newly-formed historical pundits have been heatedly discussing whether Yasuke's character is a suitable fit for the game. The former consensus that the franchise often takes creative liberties with historical figures seems to have dissolved, giving rise to debates surrounding Yasuke's authenticity.

This controversy found fuel when historian Thomas Lockley seemed to shape the modern view of Yasuke. Hirayama stepped into the fray with his own detailed thoughts in a social media post. He indicated that although Yasuke's documentation is scarce, there is no denying his role as a "samurai" under Oda Nobunaga. Historically, one could achieve the rank of samurai if promoted by their master, regardless of social status.

Hirayama pointed out that the historical records confirm certain key facts: Nobunaga provided Yasuke with a stipend, a house, and a sword. These elements are crucial as they meet the criteria for a master-servant contract and an agreement to receive a stipend. Additionally, being allowed to carry a sword marked Yasuke as a two-sworded servant, differentiating him from ordinary servants who were not permitted to carry weapons. Thus, with these provisions, there is little doubt that Yasuke rose to the rank of samurai through his own efforts. Although Yasuke likely began as a missionary's slave before Nobunaga's intervention, these stipulations show a clear path to his samurai status.

During the Honnoji Incident, Akechi's forces did not harm Yasuke due to perceptions of him as an "animal" or "non-Japanese." This was not because Yasuke wasn't recognized as a samurai but likely due to Akechi's discriminatory views. During that era, it was not uncommon for individuals from lower status to be elevated to samurai by their masters.

Hirayama conceded that the lack of comprehensive evidence means this debate will likely persist. However, he noted that Ubisoft is firm in its decision, and Yasuke will appear as a samurai in Assassin's Creed Shadows when the game is released this November.