Yasuke

Yasuke was a historical figure who was the first African samurai to serve a Japanese daimyō (feudal lord) during the Sengoku period of Japan. He was a samurai warrior who served under the powerful daimyo (feudal lord) Oda Nobunaga. His name “Yasuke” is believed to have been a nickname given to him by the Japanese, as his real name is not known. He was born in the late 16th century and was likely a member of the Yao ethnic group from what is now Mozambique. He was brought to Japan as a slave by Jesuit missionaries and eventually came into the service of Oda Nobunaga. He quickly rose through the ranks and became one of Nobunaga’s most trusted retainers, participating in several battles and campaigns.