African Samurai: The True Story of Yasuke, a Legendary Black Warrior in Feudal Japan
Apr 2019 · Hanover Square Press
star
8 reviews
Ebook
390
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
About this ebook
This biography of the first foreign-born samurai and his journey from Africa to Japan is "a readable, compassionate account of an extraordinary life" ( The Washington Post).
When Yasuke arrived in Japan in the late 1500s, he had already traveled much of the known world. Kidnapped as a child, he had ended up a servant and bodyguard to the head of the Jesuits in Asia, with whom he traversed India and China learning multiple languages as he went. His arrival in Kyoto, however, literally caused a riot. Most Japanese people had never seen an African man before, and many of them saw him as the embodiment of the black-skinned Buddha. Among those who were drawn to his presence was Lord Nobunaga, head of the most powerful clan in Japan, who made Yasuke a samurai in his court. Soon, he was learning the traditions of Japan's martial arts and ascending the upper echelons of Japanese society.
In the four hundred years since, Yasuke has been known in Japan largely as a legendary, perhaps mythical figure. Now African Samurai presents the never-before-told biography of this unique figure of the sixteenth century, one whose travels between countries and cultures offers a new perspective on race in world history and a vivid portrait of life in medieval Japan.
"Fast-paced, action-packed writing. . . . A new and important biography and an incredibly moving study of medieval Japan and solid perspective on its unification. Highly recommended." — Library Journal (starred review)
"Eminently readable. . . . a worthwhile and entertaining work." — Publishers Weekly
"A unique story of a unique man, and yet someone with whom we can all identify." —Jack Weatherford, New York Times–bestselling author of Genghis Khan
When Yasuke arrived in Japan in the late 1500s, he had already traveled much of the known world. Kidnapped as a child, he had ended up a servant and bodyguard to the head of the Jesuits in Asia, with whom he traversed India and China learning multiple languages as he went. His arrival in Kyoto, however, literally caused a riot. Most Japanese people had never seen an African man before, and many of them saw him as the embodiment of the black-skinned Buddha. Among those who were drawn to his presence was Lord Nobunaga, head of the most powerful clan in Japan, who made Yasuke a samurai in his court. Soon, he was learning the traditions of Japan's martial arts and ascending the upper echelons of Japanese society.
In the four hundred years since, Yasuke has been known in Japan largely as a legendary, perhaps mythical figure. Now African Samurai presents the never-before-told biography of this unique figure of the sixteenth century, one whose travels between countries and cultures offers a new perspective on race in world history and a vivid portrait of life in medieval Japan.
"Fast-paced, action-packed writing. . . . A new and important biography and an incredibly moving study of medieval Japan and solid perspective on its unification. Highly recommended." — Library Journal (starred review)
"Eminently readable. . . . a worthwhile and entertaining work." — Publishers Weekly
"A unique story of a unique man, and yet someone with whom we can all identify." —Jack Weatherford, New York Times–bestselling author of Genghis Khan
This biography of the first foreign-born samurai and his journey from Africa to Japan is "a readable, compassionate account of an extraordinary life" ( The Washington Post).
When Yasuke arrived in Japan in the late 1500s, he had already traveled much of the known world. Kidnapped as a child, he ...
Discover more
Ratings and reviews
8 reviews
Dylantian Smithos
- Flag inappropriate
September 5, 2024
Not only will you learn about Yasuke; you will also learn unique customs only found in Japanese & Samurai cultures!
Dave “Da Samurai” Corbin Jr
- Flag inappropriate
February 3, 2024
The story about this warrior is so inspiring, one of the main reasons I love the code of the samurai
Sean Cameron
- Flag inappropriate
October 18, 2023
an interesting read that provided insight on an international and cultural level
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
