Story Highlight
  • Yasuke, one of the main characters of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has been highly criticized.
  • Many believe he was not a samurai, and reports indicate that Thomas Lockley fabricated information about his life.
  • However, a Japanese historian has defended the black samurai by saying he served Oda Nobunaga. 

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the hottest topic right now in the gaming industry. Recently, the game faced criticism after the developer confirmed LGBTQ relationships.

Shortly after, it was reported that Thomas Lockley fabricated Yasuke’s story, which led to a major problem in Japan. However, another Japanese historian has chimed in, claiming that Yasuke was indeed a samurai.

Why it matters: The historian’s latest statement has sparked another debate about Yasuke’s status as a samurai. The character remains a hot topic ahead of Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ release in November.

Assassin's Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Has Been Surrounded By Controversy Ever Since Its Announcement

A Japanese historian, Yu Hirayama, defends Yasuke and says that he was an actual black samurai at that time. He also says that very few documents talk about him, but there is no doubt that he was a samurai who served Nobunaga.

For reference, Yu Hirayam specializes in historical research of the many historical Japanese eras. This gives his opinions more weight than most, adding a new element to the whole controversy around Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

There’s no doubt that he was a “samurai” who served Nobunaga.

-Yu Hirayama

Hirayama clearly stated that Yasuke was a samurai and was promoted to the rank of samurai. He also discussed the various requirements that make one a samurai.

According to Hirayama, Nobunaga gave Yasuke a Stipend and a house. He also received a sword. Hirayam says that Yasuke served Nobunaga closely, and the Stipend title proves that they were both masters and servants.

YouTube video

However, Yasuke was more than a servant since he was allowed to carry a sword. Back then, servants weren’t allowed to carry swords, but Yasuke was an exception, and he was given a house.

So, Yu Hirayama concluded that Yasuke was indeed a samurai who served the legendary Oda Nobunaga.

He also states that Yasuke wasn’t killed because the Akechi did not recognize him as a samurai. However, this seems to have been an instance of discrimination against the black samurai.

As the story continues to develop, author Thomas Lockley is still being accused of spreading false information in his book. Therefore, many are still confused about the situation.

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Obaid Ur Rehman
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