Where is Yasuke from in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

If you’ve been playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows and are curious about who is Yasuke and where he comes from, then this guide will help you. We’ll dive into his background, both in the game and what is known from history, and explore how his real-life story influenced his character. There are some interesting comparisons between the historical figure and his in-game counterpart, so let’s explore where is Yasuke from in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Historical roots of Yasuke

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Yasuke is a skilled and mysterious warrior who allies with the Assassins in Japan. His origins are clouded in mystery, much like his real-life counterpart. While the game doesn’t delve deeply into where Yasuke is from, his role as a foreign man in Japan mirrors the historical figure of the same name.

Yasuke’s real-life story begins in the late 16th century when he arrived in Japan with the Jesuit missionary Alessandro Valignano. It’s widely believed that Yasuke was of African descent, likely from Mozambique or another area in southeastern Africa. Though his exact birthplace and age remain unclear, he made a significant impact in Japan at the time.

Yasuke’s striking physical appearance, standing over 6 feet tall, caught Oda Nobunaga’s attention, and after demonstrating his strength and fighting skills, Yasuke was granted the rare honour of becoming a retainer for the Japanese warlord. While he was never historically confirmed to bear the title of samurai (period sources refer to him as a “retainer”), this was nonetheless a remarkable achievement for someone from outside Japan. Yasuke’s relationship with Nobunaga is central to both his historical and in-game portrayal.

The connection between Assassin’s Creed Shadows and history

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Yasuke’s status as a foreign samurai clashes with what is known of his history. Though the game doesn’t directly specify whether he’s from Africa, it reflects his real-life journey as a non-Japanese man who earned a place among Japan’s elite warriors. Yasuke’s loyalty and combat prowess make him an invaluable asset to the Order of the Assassins, as well as his ties to Oda Nobunaga.

His relationship with Nobunaga also carries over into the game, where Yasuke is depicted as a trusted ally of the warlord. Both in the game and in real life, Yasuke’s role as a foreigner in a foreign land challenges the norms of the time, highlighting themes of honour and perseverance.

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Yasuke is more than just a samurai; he’s a bridge between different worlds – Japan and Africa, the Assassins and the Japanese elite. You can read more about Yasuke’s in-game adventures in our review of Assasin’s Creed Shadows.