Historical documents from the Jesuit mission refer to Yasuke as a servant or bodyguard to Valignano. Standing over six feet tall (exceptionally tall for Japan at the time) and with dark skin, Yasuke immediately attracted attention.
Contemporary Japanese observers were fascinated and bewildered by his appearance. According to Jesuit letters, when Yasuke first arrived in Kyoto, locals gathered in large numbers to see him, some even mistaking his dark skin for ink.
Meeting Oda Nobunaga: The Rise of Yasuke
Yasuke’s life changed dramatically when he came to the attention of Oda Nobunaga, one of the most powerful and ambitious daimyo (feudal lords) in Japan.
Nobunaga was known for his military genius, ruthless tactics, and openness to new ideas — including Christianity and Western technologies like firearms. When Yasuke was brought before Nobunaga, the lord was reportedly impressed by Yasuke’s size, strength, and exotic appearance.
One famous account says Nobunaga ordered his attendants to wash Yasuke’s skin to see if the darkness was paint or ink—indicating how unfamiliar such a person was to Japanese courtiers.
Nobunaga soon made Yasuke his retainer, bestowing upon him the rare honor of samurai status. This included granting Yasuke a katana (samurai sword) and a residence. Yasuke was allowed to wear the distinctive samurai armor and fight alongside Nobunaga’s soldiers shutdown123