Yasuke: the Forgotten African Samurai

Yasuke, an African man, arrived in Japan in 1579 with Jesuit missionaries and became a celebrity due to his unique appearance. He caught the attention of warlord Nobunaga, who made him a samurai. Yasuke gained Nobunaga's trust and enjoyed privileges uncommon for foreigners. However, after Nobunaga's death in a coup, Yasuke's fate became uncertain, with conflicting accounts of his later life.

Where did Yasuke first appear in history?

• As a warlord in Africa

• As an attendant to Alessandro Palagiano

• As a Jesuit missionary

• As a samurai in Japan

What was Nobunaga's initial reaction to Yasuke's appearance?

• He was afraid of Yasuke

• He immediately trusted Yasuke

• He was skeptical about Yasuke's skin color

• He was indifferent

What significant role did Yasuke achieve in Japan?

• He became a samurai

• He became a Jesuit priest

• He became a farmer

• He became a merchant

What event led to the end of Yasuke's career as a samurai?

• A natural disaster

• A conflict with the Jesuits

• A coup by Nobunaga's general

• A personal decision to retire

What happened to Yasuke after Nobunaga's death?

• He became a warlord

• He returned to Africa

• He served Nobunaga's son

• He was executed

What was one version of Yasuke's fate after his surrender?

• He was sent back to the church

• He was imprisoned

• He was executed

• He became a farmer

What does the Japanese proverb suggest about samurai bravery?

• It is a result of rigorous training

• It is only for the noble-born

• It is innate and cannot be learned

• It requires a bit of black blood