Friday Feature Book Review: African Samurai: The True Story of Yasuke, a Legendary Black Warrior in Feudal Japan: Thomas Lockley & Geoffrey Girard アフリカの武士：封建日本の伝説的な黒人戦士、ヤスケの実話: トーマス・ロックリー&ジェフリー・ジラード

Yasuke is a true historical legend from feudal Japan! A tall ebony black adventurer standing 6'2" (188cms). He was first seen by many in Japan, to be like the black warrior shiva god called Daikokuten. Hired to be an impressive bodyguard by the top Jesuit in Asia, he stood out. He towered tall in a land of people around 160cms, he stood a full head above the Japanese population. His story is truly remarkable. He was first captured in South Sudan as a child slave from a Dinka Warrior village. He worked first as a servant in the Middle East, then India as a mercenary, then a Pirate reaching Goa, a Portuguese enclave. He then sailed with Jesuits as a bodyguard and reached Japan in 1579.

There was no clear image of Africa at that time in Japan. World maps & globes were still a rarity. The Japanese term for all dark skinned people was Kurobo (derived from Colombo, Sri Lanka). It covered anybody dark skinned from Africa or India. It was often used to describe foreign sailors more than anything. Many were seen in ports travelling between Manilla, Macao and Goa. The biggest worry about Japan then, were the pirates (kaizoku) who often traded in slaves with China and other colonies at the time. Jesuits were slave counter parties with them. This was not official of course, but a surprise to read about.

Yasuke by the time he arrived in Japan, was already a fierce fighter, handy with both swords, spears and cannon. He also had sailing skills too, and could be a pirate if that chance ever came. His impressive appearance caused a riot in Kyoto. This got the attention of Lord Nobutada Oda, a warlord trying to unite Japan into a peaceful state. Hearing about the crazed crowds in city during his visit, Yasuke was summoned by the powerful Lord Oda himself to his castle. This was after 2 years living in Japan, so he had language fluency with high officials. This was due to his high status included at meetings with the top Jesuit leader in Asia. 

Communication was not an issue and a friendship soon followed. After the departure of the top Jesuit, a deal was struck and Yasuke became a bodyguard for the Lord Oda. By later proving himself in battle, he became a full samurai, a hachinata rank, and was even given a new house with high ceilings to live in near the castle. Yasuke enjoyed riding, hunting and discussions of any foreign lands with his Lord. He was asked many questions and wanted to upgrade military skills to defeat any possible rivals. Yasuke always tried to pass on foreign tactics like launching 5 flaming arrows at a time. This was done by Chinese pirates, an unknown style in Japan.

The Top 4 Takeaways from this book that impact any reader are:

1) No matter where you are, keep adding to your skill set. A person with 10 skills has 10 times more chances to add value and survive. Yasuke learned all local fighting techniques, and never stopped adding styles & strategy.

2) Languages are best learned by practice, both for fluency and style of speaking. Yasuke absorbed many languages including Arabic, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese during his journeys. He was a true cross border communicator.

3) Emotional Intelligence can win the day. By being respectful yet open, Yasuke was able to often mix well with fellow soldiers and lords alike. He could share a wide view of life experiences and engaging discussion.

4) Guns were very much a part of Samurai arms even in 1579. After Japan learned to manufacture guns with standard bore sizes, ammunition could be shared easily. As a direct result, there were more guns in Japan, than the entire the world put together!

War was the standard of the time, and a rival did arrive and trapped him in Honno-ji temple in Kyoto. Yasuke was asked to cut the head off the Lord Oda, after doing seppuku, ritual suicide. He later escaped back to Kyushu with the Jesuits in Kyushu. He helped another Lord defeat rivals and gained great riches. From there, the story fades. He had options and could have chosen many paths due to his rich independent status. This book has Shoguns, Lords, Ninjas, Pirates, Mercenaries, Intrigue, War, and the religious Catholic fervor of the Jesuits. All make for an amazing story. Every page was worthwhile due to the incredible research that is well documented in this book. Soon to be made into a Hollywood movie! Highly Recommended!

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