Why is the protagonist of Assassin's Creed Shadow a black person? Analysis of the background story of the Assassin's Creed Shadow protagonist

2025-03-10 14:43:21

Choosing Yasuke, a black samurai, as one of the protagonists in "Assassin's Creed: Shadow" has sparked extensive discussions. The reasons behind this choice involve historical context, cultural narrative, creative freedom, and industry trends, among other factors. This article aims to answer why the protagonist of Assassin's Creed Shadow is black, combining the development team's public explanations and feedback from the player community. Here is a comprehensive analysis:

Why is the protagonist of Assassin's Creed Shadow a black person? Analysis of the background story of the Assassin's Creed Shadow protagonist

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Yasuke was a real African samurai who lived in the 16th century, and his origins are still disputed. According to "The History of the Church in Japan," he may have been born in Mozambique or Ethiopia in Africa, and was later brought to Japan as a slave by the Portuguese missionary Alessandro Valignano from India or Africa. In 1579, he arrived in Japan with Valignano and was noticed by Oda Nobunaga due to his robust physique (about 1.82 meters tall).

Why is the protagonist of Assassin's Creed Shadow a black person? Analysis of the background story of the Assassin's Creed Shadow protagonist

When Oda Nobunaga first met Yasuke, he was shocked by his dark skin and even suspected that it was dyed with ink, ordering him to undress and wash to verify. After confirming that his skin color was natural, Nobunaga was amazed by his physique and strength, buying Yasuke from the missionary for 20 gold pieces and naming him "Yasuke." Although Yasuke was initially a slave, Nobunaga quickly bestowed upon him the status of a samurai. According to the "Kakezu Diary," Nobunaga granted him a stipend, a residence, a short sword, and the duty of a personal guard.

Why is the protagonist of Assassin's Creed Shadow a black person? Analysis of the background story of the Assassin's Creed Shadow protagonist

In 1581, Yasuke accompanied Nobunaga on the Kai Province Campaign (the fall of the Takeda clan) and met Tokugawa Ieyasu during a post-war inspection of the territory, which was recorded by Tokugawa retainer Matsudaira Tadayoshi.

Why is the protagonist of Assassin's Creed Shadow a black person? Analysis of the background story of the Assassin's Creed Shadow protagonist

In June 1582, Akechi Mitsuhide launched the Honnō-ji Incident, and Yasuke fought to protect Nobunaga during the siege. After Nobunaga's suicide, he escorted Nobunaga's son, Oda Nobutada, in his escape but was captured due to being outnumbered. Akechi Mitsuhide, viewing him as an "animal" rather than a Japanese, released him. However, Yasuke's fate remains a subject of historical debate. His whereabouts became a mystery, with some historical records suggesting:

Joined the Arima Clan: According to Frois' "History of Japan," a black samurai skilled in using arquebuses (muskets) fought under Arima Harunobu in the Battle of Nakatsu in 1584, leading to speculation that it might have been Yasuke.

Vanished from History: Most records indicate that after his release, Yasuke went to the Namban-ji (Christian church) in Kyoto, and there are no clear records of him afterward, suggesting he may have changed his name or returned to Africa.

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Why is the protagonist of Assassin's Creed Shadow a black person? Analysis of the background story of the Assassin's Creed Shadow protagonist

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Why is the protagonist of Assassin's Creed Shadow a black person? Analysis of the background story of the Assassin's Creed Shadow protagonist

Although the records about him are somewhat vague, this "mystery" provides a broad space for game creation, blending fact and fiction. The development team, while maintaining the historical framework, incorporates fictional elements, such as giving him a more complex backstory and an outsider's perspective, to enhance the narrative tension. Additionally, the Assassin's Creed series has always favored marginalized or less explored historical figures (such as the Vikings in "Valhalla"), and Yasuke fits this tradition while aligning with the secretive nature of the "assassin" identity.

In the context of the game, the dual-protagonist system (Yasuke and the Japanese ninja Naomasa) showcases cultural integration and conflict through their different identities. As an African samurai, Yasuke's status as a foreigner provides a unique window for players to observe the culture of the Sengoku period, enhancing the depth of exploration. At the same time, the development team attempts to explore universal themes such as cultural differences and a sense of belonging through Yasuke's struggles and adaptation, giving the game a deeper humanistic meaning.

Why is the protagonist of Assassin's Creed Shadow a black person? Analysis of the background story of the Assassin's Creed Shadow protagonist

From an industry trend and player demand perspective, the gaming industry in recent years has emphasized character diversity, and the choice of Yasuke reflects Ubisoft's advocacy for multiculturalism. The development team believes that such a setting can not only attract a wider audience but also has educational value. The official stance in the controversy is to try to strike a balance, although some players criticize this move as "political correctness," the team emphasizes that Yasuke's role is not merely to follow trends but is based on narrative reasonableness and historical inspiration. Finally, regarding the extension of LGBTQ+ elements: there are hints that the dual protagonists may involve non-traditional sexual orientations, continuing the Assassin's Creed series' exploration of inclusivity (such as the same-sex relationship options in "Valhalla").

Why is the protagonist of Assassin's Creed Shadow a black person? Analysis of the background story of the Assassin's Creed Shadow protagonist

In summary, the choice of Yasuke as a protagonist in "Assassin's Creed: Shadow" is the result of a combination of historical gaps, narrative innovation, cultural inclusiveness, and market strategy. Yasuke's presence challenges the traditional stereotype of "samurai = Japanese," prompting scholars to re-examine the social structure and identity fluidity of the Sengoku period. Despite ongoing controversies, this attempt reflects the exploratory nature of games as a cultural medium—expanding possibilities through fiction while respecting history and responding to modern society's expectations of diversity. In the future, finding a balance between "recreation" and "innovation" remains a challenge for both developers and players.

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