Yasuke's Story: Backlash Against Lockley & Assassin's Creed Shadows
Is the legacy of Yasuke, the enigmatic black warrior of feudal Japan, a product of historical fact or the fertile ground of embellishment and, potentially, fabrication? The recent controversy surrounding historian Thomas Lockley and the portrayal of Yasuke has ignited a firestorm of debate, challenging the very foundations of our understanding of this historical figure.
The tale of Yasuke, a man of African origin who arrived in Japan during the late 16th century and rose through the ranks to serve under the formidable warlord Oda Nobunaga, has captivated imaginations for centuries. Accounts suggest a man of immense strength and perhaps, samurai status. However, the narrative, particularly as presented in recent years, has been subject to intense scrutiny, especially concerning its accuracy.
Much of the modern fascination with Yasuke, especially the perception of him as a samurai, stems from the work of Thomas Lockley, author of "African Samurai: The True Story of Yasuke, a Legendary Black Warrior in Feudal Japan." The book, which runs to an expansive 400 pages, has become a cornerstone of the popular narrative, but its extensive length has also raised eyebrows, with many questioning the degree to which it relies on verifiable historical evidence.
The backlash against Lockley's work has been considerable. Accusations of distorting historical facts, misrepresenting sources, and ignoring the perspectives of Japanese experts have fueled the controversy. Further complicating matters, Lockley has been accused of editing entries in both Encyclopedia Britannica and Wikipedia to bolster his claims, adding a layer of academic dishonesty to the mix.
The controversy has extended beyond the realm of academic debate, permeating Japanese media and even prompting discussion within the government. Popular culture has also weighed in, with satirical songs poking fun at the claims made in Lockley's book. This widespread reaction speaks to the sensitivity surrounding the topic and the need for a more nuanced and critically informed approach to the subject.
The core of the debate centers around whether Yasuke truly was a samurai. The evidence is, at best, ambiguous. While he clearly served Nobunaga, the specific nature of his role and his integration into the samurai class remain unclear. The most credible historical sources, such as the letters of Lus Fris, a Jesuit missionary who was a contemporary of Yasuke, provide only limited information and do not explicitly mention any samurai status.
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Here is a table summarizing key information about Thomas Lockley:
Category | Details |
---|---|
Name | Thomas Lockley |
Profession | Historian, Associate Professor |
Specialization | History of Japan and East Asia, particularly the late 16th and early 17th centuries |
Current Affiliation | Nihon University College of Law, Tokyo |
Notable Works | "African Samurai: The True Story of Yasuke, a Legendary Black Warrior in Feudal Japan" |
Controversies | Accusations of embellishing historical facts, misrepresenting sources, editing online encyclopedias to support his claims, and creating a narrative not entirely based on historical fact. |
Key Areas of Research | Yasuke, International and Multicultural History of Japan and East Asia |
Positions Held | Visiting Scholar at the School of Oriental and African Studies, and Associate Professor at Nihon University College of Law |
Areas of Expertise | Historical accuracy, interpretation, and the context of the role of foreigners in feudal Japan |
Focus | The life of Yasuke and his role with Oda Nobunaga |
Current Status | Active in the academic field, but his work is under critical review |



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