#AfricanSamurai

[phonemantra-blog]

Ubisoft's upcoming title, Assassin's Creed Shadows, has sparked controversy surrounding its portrayal of the historical figure Yasuke, a Black samurai who served in 16th-century Japan. Critics allege the game reinforces racial stereotypes by associating Yasuke's character with hip-hop music during his combat sequences. Ubisoft Faces Backlash A Legacy of Fighting for Equality... Tarnished? Ubisoft, a gaming giant known for its progressive stances on social issues, finds itself in a curious position. The company has actively championed diversity and inclusion in its games, promoting narratives that challenge historical biases. However, the inclusion of hip-hop music specifically for Yasuke's battles has raised concerns about perpetuating cultural stereotypes. Lost in Translation: Yasuke's African Origins vs. Modern Black Identity The crux of the controversy lies in a potential misunderstanding of Yasuke's background. Commentators argue that Ubisoft might be conflating Yasuke's African origin with a modern African American identity. Yasuke, who hailed from present-day Mozambique, would not have had any connection to hip-hop, a musical genre that emerged centuries later in the United States. A Tempest in a Teacup or a Missed Opportunity? Opinions on the issue are divided. Some netizens view Ubisoft's approach as a lazy attempt to highlight Yasuke's race without a deeper understanding of his cultural context. They argue that a more nuanced representation, perhaps incorporating traditional African musical elements from Yasuke's period, would have been more appropriate. Defending Ubisoft: Artistic License or Stereotypical Shortcut? Others defend Ubisoft, suggesting the use of hip-hop is a creative choice to enhance the gameplay experience. They argue that developers have an artistic license when interpreting historical figures for video games, and the music choice may simply be a way to distinguish Yasuke's combat style. A Missed Opportunity for Historical Accuracy and Cultural Sensitivity While artistic license is a valid point, the core concern lies in whether Ubisoft missed an opportunity for authentic representation. Yasuke's story is a fascinating one, and a more historically accurate portrayal could have served as a powerful educational tool for gamers. Incorporating elements of Japanese or African music from the 16th century would have not only offered a richer soundscape but also highlighted the unique cultural exchange Yasuke represented. Moving Forward: Lessons Learned? The controversy surrounding Yasuke's portrayal serves as a learning experience for Ubisoft and the gaming industry at large. The incident highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for thorough research when depicting diverse historical figures. Engaging with historians and cultural consultants can ensure that video games promote understanding and avoid perpetuating stereotypes. FAQs: Q: Who was Yasuke? A: Yasuke was a real-life African man who served as a samurai in 16th-century Japan. His story is a remarkable one, highlighting cultural exchange and social mobility during a turbulent historical period. Q: Why is the use of hip-hop music controversial? A: Critics argue that associating Yasuke with hip-hop reinforces a stereotype that connects all Black people to a modern American musical genre. Yasuke wouldn't have had any connection to hip-hop, which emerged centuries later. Q: How could Ubisoft have portrayed Yasuke differently? A: Some suggest using traditional African music from Yasuke's period or incorporating elements of Japanese music to reflect his samurai training and cultural immersion.

[longliveblackness]

Yasuke was in the service of the Japanese warlord Nobunaga Oda for a while.

His real name was "Yasufe" and hailed from the Makua tribe of Mozambique. He arrived in Japan in 1579 as a servant of the Italian Jesuit Alessandro Valignano.

Alessandro had been appointed the Visitor (inspector) of the Jesuit missions to South and East Asia, an extremely high position, so Yasuke must have been quite trustworthy.

He accompanied Valignano when he came to the capital area in 1581 and caused something of a sensation. In one event, several people were crushed to death while clamouring to get a look at him, the black samurai. Nobunaga heard about him and expressed a desire to see him.

He suspected the black color of his skin to be paint so he had him strip from the waist up and made him scrub his skin.

Later that year, Yasuke accompanied a group of Jesuits on a short trip to the province of Echizen. Yasuke could speak some Japanese, Nobunaga was also impressed by his strength.

At Nobunaga's request, Valignano left Yasuke with Nobunaga before Valignano left central Japan later that year. Nobunaga treated Yasuke with such great favor that people in Azuchi even said he would probably be made a 'tono' (lord).

This did not happen, but he was given the position of samurai (shikan). In June 1582, Nobunaga was attacked and killed in Honnö-ji in Kyoto by the army of Akechi Mitsuhide. Yasuke was also there at the time.

Immediately after Nobunaga's death, Yasuke went to the lodging of Nobunaga's heir Oda Nobutada and withdrew with him to Nijo Castle. When that too was attacked by Akechi, Yasuke fought alongside the Nobutada forces for a long time.

Finally Yasuke surrendered his sword to Akechi's men. They asked Akechi himself what to do with him. Akechi said that the black man was a beast and did not know anything, and also he wasnt Japanese, so they should not kill him but take him to the church [in Kyoto]

No more info on him after that.

•••

Yasuke, por un tiempo, estuvo en el servicio del jefe militar japonés Nobunaga Oda.

Su verdadero nombre era “Yasufe” y venía de la tribu Makua de Mozambique. Llegó a Japón en 1579 como un sirviente del jesuita italiano Alessandro Valignano.

Alessandro había sido nombrado como visitador (inspector) de las misiones jesuitas en el sur y este de Asia, lo cual era una posición extremadamente alta, por lo que Yasuke debió de haber sido alguien digno de confianza.

Él acompañó a Valignano cuando llegó al área capital en el año 1581 y causó algo de sensación. En un evento, muchas personas murieron aplastadas mientras que lo rodeaban para poder verlo a él, al samurai negro. Nobunaga escuchó acerca de él y expresó que quería verlo.

Él sospechó que el color negro de su piel era pintura, así que hizo que se desnudara de la cintura para arriba y le pidió que se frotara la piel.

Más tarde, ese mismo año, Yasuke acompañó a un grupo de jesuitas en un pequeño viaje a la provincia de Echizen. Yasuke podía hablar algo de japonés y Nobunaga también estaba impresionado por su fuerza.

A solicitud de Nobunaga, Valignano dejó a Yasuke con él antes dejar el centro de Japón ese mismo año. Nobunaga trataba a Yasuke con gran favor, tanto que las personas en Azuchi decían que él sería convertido en tono (señor).

Esto no sucedió, pero se le dio la posición de samurai (shikan). En junio de 1582, Nobunaga fue atacado y asesinado en el templo Honnö-ji ubicado en Kyoto por el ejército de Akechi Mitsuhide. Yasuke también se encontraba allí en ese momento.

Inmediatamente después de la muerte de Nobunaga, Yasuke fue a la casa donde se encontraba el heredero de Nobunaga, Oda Nobutada y se retiraron al Castillo Nijo. Cuando este también fue atacado por Akechi, Yasuke peleó a la par de las fuerzas armadas de Nobutada.

Finalmente Yasuke le entregó su espada los hombres de Akechi. Le preguntaron al mismo Akechi qué es lo que deberían de hacer con él. Akechi dijo que el hombre negro era una bestia y no sabía nada, y también no era japonés así que no deberían de matarlo sino que llevarlo a la iglesia [en Kyoto].

Después de esto, no sabe nada más de él.

[glacies-tempestatem]

@african-samurai​

The samurai held legendary status in Japan since he was Nobunaga's right hand and the only African warrior, but since his death Yasuke had remained out of sight and hidden." No, but thank you. I will be fine." He smiled.

—[ 氷の女王]— “You don't seem very used to this land. You wouldn’t want to get lost in this place. Soon the night will fall and the bandits will be following you.” Expressed the shinigami looking at him, analyzing his posture and especially the armon. It seemed luxurious and made with high quality metals. Probably he is actually a ronin. “Don’t you need some money?”

[akumanoken]

@african-samurai​

He giggled a little, feeling the hand on his head.  He was pleased by the praise; most people didn’t think that someone like him would be physically capable.  “I’m alright, was on my way to the park to meet some new friends but when I saw you I thought maybe I’d delay that a bit!!”  The dogs would be there when he got there, but who knew if he’d see Yasuke after this!

“Passing by again?? How long are you gonna be here??” 

[musaics]

continued from here with @african-samurai​

Seeking shelter in Amegakure? Konan could have laughed at the irony.  Amegakure was built on refugees; Quite literally. There was a time that bodies of war refugees were scattered everywhere, staining the soil with blood and gore. But Amegakure had also been built on refugees in the sense that they refugees had managed settled there safely (eventually) and built upon the industrial, tower-filled city.  

And Konan never planned to change the city’s status as a place for refugees. Never.

“You couldn’t have picked a better place to seek shelter.” Konan replies, not at all explaining her reasoning for saying such a thing.  She assumed he knew the land’s history, which may end up to be a naive move on her part.

She extends her hand, and from it comes forth hundreds of pieces of paper, coiling and spiraling and expanding until they formed an umbrella.  She wished to shield the refugee from the rain.. For now.  “It rains near-constant here.  You will have to get used to it.”

[yasukelives-blog]

Definitely recommend this to get a different perspective. #yasuke #africansamurai https://www.instagram.com/p/CEILVT9Jdug/?igshid=nk9skozj217k

[ninja-weapons]

Urban Samurai . . . 📸 By @nkn_one⠀ . . . 👍 By @katana_sword_reviews #shinobi #assasin #warrior #samurai #manga #art #digitalart #bushido #Ninja #japanesestyle #anime #animeart #fantasyart #drawings #asian #ronin⠀ #yasuketheafricansamurai⠀⠀ ‪#yasuke #yasuketheblacksamurai ‬ ‪#africansamurai #theafricansamurai ‬ ‪#obsidiansamurai #blacksamurai #theblacksamurai ‬ #blackhistory #blackhistory365 #blackmartialartist ‪#yasukeart‬ #afrosamurai #katana https://www.instagram.com/katana_sword_reviews/p/Bw25aWgFpiL/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17i6xkrn5o9nh

[gonagaiworld]

La star del thriller live action Lupin è nel cast dell'adattamento live action di Yasuke L'attore Omar Sy sarà il protagonista dell'adattamento prodotto dallo studio 21 Laps di Forest Whitaker. Info:--> https://www.gonagaiworld.com/la-star-del-thriller-live-action-lupin-e-nel-cast-delladattamento-live-action-di-yasuke/?feed_id=297313&_unique_id=631b324221e43 #AfricanSamurai #Liveaction #Netflix #OmarSy #Yasuke

[luvvaj]

I don’t know what is WRONG with some of us Blacks AND Asians, but as old friends and as part of the Human Family our relationship is an ancient one and full of lore and tradition of grand honor... sadly, many of you have not been informed, made aware, many of YOU refuse to study and some simply do not care - at your own peril. MANY of my impactful family, friends, teachers, masters and people I grew up with are proudly great representatives of the BEST characteristics of our Asian family (of all regions)... This photo is a depiction of Yasuke, the first Non-Japanese Samurai around 1600 AD, with his master-teacher, Nobunaga and his Son. Yasuke was said to be completely devoted as a guardian and shepherd to the family of Nobunaga and Nobunaga and his family and inner circle valued Yasuke to the extent that the adoration made Nobunaga’s usurpers and opponents jealous of Yasuke💜. Learn something... ALL who refuse to acknowledge and honor our ancient legacy ARE disgraceful to our path. #Yasuke #Nobunaga #Japan #Africa #Samurai #AfricanSamurai (at Providence St Peter Hospital Surgery Waiting Room) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLhZjfgn5Ef/?igshid=19bgbu10b3ymx

[blerdsunite]

#yasuke #africansamurai #whatwashe #mozambican🇲🇿 #ethiopian🇪🇹 #dinka🇸🇸 #yaopeople #hebecameajapanesewarrior🇯🇵 Yasuke entered Japanese society as an anomaly, but soon became a respected warrior within. A renowned painter named Kanō Eitoku is said to have done a painting of Yasuke as well as a Rinpa artist in the 1590s. The Museu do Caramulo in Portugal has that. Which seems plausible because of his early contact with Portugal, they would want to hold onto that artwork because of its historical significance. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3HwFuPh-3l/?igshid=2lywctvbsldg

[thewanderingswordsman2030]

I always knew they were #BlackSamurai that existed. #Yasuke #AfricanSamurai #OdaNobunaga #Daimyo #SengokuPeriod I pray that #ChadwickBoseman does this man justice. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2eVWSrj2Qr/?igshid=vca9coig3yks

[theteddyblaze]

Seems like a project we should tackle @kamaalshabazz007 before #michaeljaiwhite gets to it 🙏🏾 Reposted from @yasukeblacksamurai - “African Samurai” book cover for the UK and many other countries outside North America. The title is a little different too “Yasuke: The True Story of the Legendary African Samurai” The content is the same. For a review of the book and interview with author Thomas Lockley check the link in @yasukeblacksamurai bio ————————————⠀ ⠀ #yasuketheafricansamurai⠀⠀ ‪#yasuke #yasuketheblacksamurai ‬⠀⠀ ‪#africansamurai #theafricansamurai ‬#blacksamurai #theblacksamurai #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory #blackhistory365 #blackmartialartist ‪#samuraihistory #samurai #japanesehistory #yasukebook #thomaslockley #geofferygirard‬ (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/only1sirjones/p/BvoWoI5lpiA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1w1ydz9i5ugdv

[kanthesis]

Line work almost done 😤 #wip #workinprogress #digitalart #lineart #linework #digitalsketch #doodle #sketch #commission #instaartist #instaart #africansamurai #african #katana #hakama #samurai #armor #tribal #warrior #wacom #cintiq #kanthesis

[chpatdoorsl3z0a1]

Forgotten Tale Of Japan's First Black Samurai Bound For The Big Screen

There is very little recorded history on Yasuke, the young African man believed to be Japan’s first black samurai, but his story may soon be told on the silver screen.

Lionsgate has asked screenwriter Gregory Wilden, the creator of the 1986 film “Highlander,” to write a script for an action drama based on Yasuke’s centuries-old story, according to the Hollywood Reporter and Deadline.

The Lionsgate film “is based on the true story of an African whose journey to Japan comes with conflicting background stories,” Widen told Deadline last week. “The one I’ve chosen is that he was a slave soldier after the fall of Abysinnian Bengal, a black kingdom run by Ethiopians.”

In that story, Yasuke was sold into slavery and “found himself in the care of Alessandro Valignano, an Italian missionary,” Widen explained.  “They formed a bond, and when there were complications in Rome, he was sent to Japan and took Yasuke with him,” he added.

Yasuke was an African slave in his early 20s when Valignano brought him on a missionary trip to Japan in 1579, according to historical accounts that Oxy reviewed. He stood out there because of his tall stature and dark skin and he soon became a local celebrity. His real name is unknown, but locals called him Yasuke in Japan ― likely a Japanese version of his birth name.

When Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga learned of Yasuke and his impressive strength, he hired the young African as a feudal bodyguard. Under Nobunaga, Yasuke quickly rose in the ranks to become a well-respected samurai warrior who spoke fluent Japanese.

“They presented him with a blade, and he went to work,” Widen told Deadline. 

Parts of Yasuke’s story lived on in a 1916 Japanese children’s book called Kuro-suke, about a young, black samurai who often dreams of his parents in Africa.

Mike De Luca and Stephen L’Heureux are co-producing the film, which is currently called “Black Samurai.” Lionsgate has not released any other information about the film and the media distributor did not immediately return The Huffington Post’s request for comment.

Below, a sculpture of Yasuka created by South African artist Nicola Roos.

No Man's Land IV (2015). "This area [...] has the paradoxical quality of being [the] geometrical center while often being unmarked in [people's] memories or minds. An ongoing no man's land, only now on the cusp of sweeping change." - Shumon Basar, 'Journal 66' (2015). Model: @aaron_samuel_mulenga. #yasuke #blacksamurai #africansamurai #recycledrubberart #sculptureart #figurativesculpture #contemporarysculpture #contemporaryart #lifecast #feudaljapan #colonialhistory

A post shared by Nicola Roos (@roosnicola) on Mar 14, 2017 at 4:38am PDT

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

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[stormdoors78476]

Forgotten Tale Of Japan's First Black Samurai Bound For The Big Screen

There is very little recorded history on Yasuke, the young African man believed to be Japan’s first black samurai, but his story may soon be told on the silver screen.

Lionsgate has asked screenwriter Gregory Wilden, the creator of the 1986 film “Highlander,” to write a script for an action drama based on Yasuke’s centuries-old story, according to the Hollywood Reporter and Deadline.

The Lionsgate film “is based on the true story of an African whose journey to Japan comes with conflicting background stories,” Widen told Deadline last week. “The one I’ve chosen is that he was a slave soldier after the fall of Abysinnian Bengal, a black kingdom run by Ethiopians.”

In that story, Yasuke was sold into slavery and “found himself in the care of Alessandro Valignano, an Italian missionary,” Widen explained.  “They formed a bond, and when there were complications in Rome, he was sent to Japan and took Yasuke with him,” he added.

Yasuke was an African slave in his early 20s when Valignano brought him on a missionary trip to Japan in 1579, according to historical accounts that Oxy reviewed. He stood out there because of his tall stature and dark skin and he soon became a local celebrity. His real name is unknown, but locals called him Yasuke in Japan ― likely a Japanese version of his birth name.

When Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga learned of Yasuke and his impressive strength, he hired the young African as a feudal bodyguard. Under Nobunaga, Yasuke quickly rose in the ranks to become a well-respected samurai warrior who spoke fluent Japanese.

“They presented him with a blade, and he went to work,” Widen told Deadline. 

Parts of Yasuke’s story lived on in a 1916 Japanese children’s book called Kuro-suke, about a young, black samurai who often dreams of his parents in Africa.

Mike De Luca and Stephen L’Heureux are co-producing the film, which is currently called “Black Samurai.” Lionsgate has not released any other information about the film and the media distributor did not immediately return The Huffington Post’s request for comment.

Below, a sculpture of Yasuka created by South African artist Nicola Roos.

No Man's Land IV (2015). "This area [...] has the paradoxical quality of being [the] geometrical center while often being unmarked in [people's] memories or minds. An ongoing no man's land, only now on the cusp of sweeping change." - Shumon Basar, 'Journal 66' (2015). Model: @aaron_samuel_mulenga. #yasuke #blacksamurai #africansamurai #recycledrubberart #sculptureart #figurativesculpture #contemporarysculpture #contemporaryart #lifecast #feudaljapan #colonialhistory

A post shared by Nicola Roos (@roosnicola) on Mar 14, 2017 at 4:38am PDT

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

from DIYS http://ift.tt/2ofOnGo

[exfrenchdorsl4p0a1]

Forgotten Tale Of Japan's First Black Samurai Bound For The Big Screen

There is very little recorded history on Yasuke, the young African man believed to be Japan’s first black samurai, but his story may soon be told on the silver screen.

Lionsgate has asked screenwriter Gregory Wilden, the creator of the 1986 film “Highlander,” to write a script for an action drama based on Yasuke’s centuries-old story, according to the Hollywood Reporter and Deadline.

The Lionsgate film “is based on the true story of an African whose journey to Japan comes with conflicting background stories,” Widen told Deadline last week. “The one I’ve chosen is that he was a slave soldier after the fall of Abysinnian Bengal, a black kingdom run by Ethiopians.”

In that story, Yasuke was sold into slavery and “found himself in the care of Alessandro Valignano, an Italian missionary,” Widen explained.  “They formed a bond, and when there were complications in Rome, he was sent to Japan and took Yasuke with him,” he added.

Yasuke was an African slave in his early 20s when Valignano brought him on a missionary trip to Japan in 1579, according to historical accounts that Oxy reviewed. He stood out there because of his tall stature and dark skin and he soon became a local celebrity. His real name is unknown, but locals called him Yasuke in Japan ― likely a Japanese version of his birth name.

When Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga learned of Yasuke and his impressive strength, he hired the young African as a feudal bodyguard. Under Nobunaga, Yasuke quickly rose in the ranks to become a well-respected samurai warrior who spoke fluent Japanese.

“They presented him with a blade, and he went to work,” Widen told Deadline. 

Parts of Yasuke’s story lived on in a 1916 Japanese children’s book called Kuro-suke, about a young, black samurai who often dreams of his parents in Africa.

Mike De Luca and Stephen L’Heureux are co-producing the film, which is currently called “Black Samurai.” Lionsgate has not released any other information about the film and the media distributor did not immediately return The Huffington Post’s request for comment.

Below, a sculpture of Yasuka created by South African artist Nicola Roos.

No Man's Land IV (2015). "This area [...] has the paradoxical quality of being [the] geometrical center while often being unmarked in [people's] memories or minds. An ongoing no man's land, only now on the cusp of sweeping change." - Shumon Basar, 'Journal 66' (2015). Model: @aaron_samuel_mulenga. #yasuke #blacksamurai #africansamurai #recycledrubberart #sculptureart #figurativesculpture #contemporarysculpture #contemporaryart #lifecast #feudaljapan #colonialhistory

A post shared by Nicola Roos (@roosnicola) on Mar 14, 2017 at 4:38am PDT

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

from DIYS http://ift.tt/2ofOnGo