Yasuke served as a personal attendant and warrior, entrusted with guarding Nobunaga and participating in battles during the turbulent Sengoku period—a time of nearly constant civil war among competing samurai clans.
His unusual presence on the battlefield must have been a psychological asset as well as a physical one. The sight of a tall, muscular foreign warrior clad in armor would have unsettled enemies and inspired curiosity.
Yasuke’s role underscores Nobunaga’s experimental approach to warfare and governance. Unlike many other daimyo, Nobunaga valued talent and loyalty over ethnicity or birthright, and Yasuke embodied that meritocratic ideal.
The Fall of Nobunaga and Yasuke’s Fate
In 1582, Oda Nobunaga’s fortunes abruptly reversed. At Honno-ji Temple in Kyoto, Nobunaga was betrayed and attacked by one of his own generals, Akechi Mitsuhide. Facing defeat, Nobunaga committed seppuku (ritual suicide).
Yasuke was present at Honno-ji during the attack. According to Jesuit records, he fought fiercely to protect Nobunaga. When Nobunaga died, Yasuke survived and was captured by Akechi’s forces.
The records indicate that Akechi was unsure what to make of Yasuke. He reportedly questioned Yasuke about his origins and whether he was some kind of sorcerer or “black demon,” reflecting the mystification his presence inspired.
Ultimately, Akechi decided not to execute Yasuke but sent him to a Jesuit mission. Beyond this point, Yasuke’s fate is unknown. Some speculate he returned to the Jesuits, perhaps leaving Japan; others suggest he may have remained and assimilated into Japanese society. shutdown123