Bibliograph

African samurai, the true story of Yasuke, a legendary black warrior in feudal Japan, Thomas Lockley and Geoffrey Girard

Type

Label

African samurai, the true story of Yasuke, a legendary black warrior in feudal Japan, Thomas Lockley and Geoffrey Girard

Language

eng

resource.accompanyingMatter

technical information on music

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Form of composition

not applicable

Format of music

not applicable

Literary text for sound recordings

biography

Main title

African samurai

Medium

sound recording audiobook download

Responsibility statement

Thomas Lockley and Geoffrey Girard

Sub title

the true story of Yasuke, a legendary black warrior in feudal Japan

Summary

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 (in local tradition) 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, cultures and classes offers a new perspective on race in world history and a vivid portrait of life in medieval Japan

Table Of Contents

Welcome to Japan -- Only the grace of God -- The ghosts of Africa -- Seminary life -- The terms of employment -- The witch of Bungo -- Pirates and choir boys -- A riot on Monday -- Tenka fuba -- Feats of strength -- Guest of honor -- Treasures old and new -- The way of warriors -- His lord's whim -- Oda at war -- The dead are rising -- Collecting heads -- Fuji-san -- Battle cry -- The Honn-ji incident -- Japan tomorrow -- The guns of Okitanawate -- Possible paths -- Yasuke through the ages

Contributor

Creator