Disinformation Spreading in Regards to “Is Yasuke a Samurai (or not)”
A definitive guide to the disinformation spreading in regards to whether or not Yasuke was or was not a Samurai. This in-depth look with points found nowhere else.
As a former photojournalist (published in: LA Times, Boston Globe, and Washington Post) I welcome corrections, debate, and discussion in the comments, over X, or by email.
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This topic caught my eye due to a personal connection: my grandfather was a researcher at Keio University. Imagining how he would’ve felt seeing Japan’s academic community dismissed or misconstrued over unsupported information made me want to do my own research. This is the first of a three-part series on how gamers unintentionally reshaped Japanese historical narratives, contributing to historical revision — the very thing they say they are fighting.
The Yasuke Controversy: Unraveling the Historical Debate and Legal Implications in Japan
In recent years, there has been a notable resurgence of Samurai stories emerging from the West. From Sucker Punch Productions’ Ghost of Tsushima in 2020 to Netflix’s Blue Eyed Samurai and FX’s acclaimed TV series Shōgun, adapted from James Clavell’s novel, the fascination with feudal Japan’s warrior class is palpable. Adding to this list is Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows, featuring Yasuke, a black samurai. However, this game has sparked a heated debate online, questioning whether Yasuke was ever truly a samurai.
The Heart of the Controversy
A quick glance at platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube reveals a divided opinion. Many argue that Yasuke was not a samurai, despite his frequent appearances in both Japanese and international media. Notably, Japanese historians and scholars, including those from Todai (Japan’s oldest and highest-ranking university), assert that Yasuke indeed held the status of a samurai. This raises several questions: Why is there such a heated dispute? Who is driving these arguments? What sources are they relying on? And, intriguingly, how does Japan’s defamation law potentially expose those spreading misinformation to legal consequences?
Japan’s Legal Framework Against Disinformation
To understand the Yasuke controversy, it’s essential to explore Japan’s legal landscape concerning information and misinformation. Japan’s approach is primarily anchored by two key laws: the Defamation Law and the Broadcasting Act.
Defamation Law
Japan’s Defamation Law allows for imprisonment of up to three years for defamation, underscoring the cultural significance of reputation. This contrasts with many Western nations where defamation is often a civil matter. It’s crucial to note that content creators spreading misinformation about Yasuke may inadvertently breach this law, exposing themselves to potential legal consequences.
Broadcasting Act
The Broadcasting Act mandates that broadcasters ensure their programs do not distort facts. If a complaint is filed regarding inaccuracies, broadcasters must investigate within three months and issue corrections promptly if needed. This act fosters a culture of responsibility and accuracy in media, with NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai), Japan’s public broadcaster, playing a pivotal role in countering misinformation.
NHK’s Stance on Yasuke
NHK has been at the forefront of the Yasuke debate. In 2021, they broadcast a program referring to Yasuke as a samurai, a carefully researched piece from Japan’s most authoritative news source. Despite the controversy, NHK reviewed the program and reaffirmed their stance, stating, “We do not believe that there was a problem.” This consistent position, maintained over multiple reviews, underscores their commitment to accuracy.
“In response to the online petition campaign to stop the release of a French video game company’s software featuring Yasuke, a black man who served Nobunaga Oda, NHK, which aired the program “Black Samurai: Yasuke, an African Samurai Who Served Nobunaga” featuring Thomas Lockley, an associate professor at Nihon University who is said to have popularized Yasuke’s existence around the world in 2021, announced on April 24, 2012, “I was one of the actors in the program and interviewed many experts. On March 24, 2021, NHK, which aired the program “Black Samurai: Yasuke, the African Samurai Who Served Nobunaga,” featuring Thomas Lockley, an associate professor at Nihon University who is believed to have spread the existence of Yasuke to the world, stated, “I was one of the actors in the program, and I also interviewed him. We do not believe that there was a problem.
NHK distributed the program on NHK On Demand after the broadcast, but it is not currently available to the public. The person in charge of the program said, “From the beginning, we planned to distribute the program for one year. This has nothing to do with what has been discussed this time.
Regarding Yasuke, in his book, Mr. Lockley describes Japan during the Warring States period as “the beginning of a trend of using African slaves,” and there are questions about the accuracy of this description. In addition, an online petition has been launched against “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” a game to be released in November by Ubisoft of France with Yasuke as one of the main characters, demanding that the game’s release be stopped due to questions about the accuracy of its depiction of historical facts.”
Here are some key outcomes within two weeks of the article to help highlight the significance of NHK in the information landscape in Japan:
- Hamada Satoshi, a politician often cited by those questioning Yasuke’s status in the West, sent a request on July 19th. In a video response posted on August 1st on his YouTube channel, he expressed satisfaction with the reply and acknowledged its credibility. Notably, this is despite Hamada being a member of the NHK party — a two-member political group whose primary goal is to dissolve NHK, as the broadcaster collects annual fees from every citizen who owns a television. His last video on this topic was posted the following day, and has no longer posted on Youtube on this topic.
- Goza Yūichi, a historian often cited by those disagreeing with Yasuke’s status as a samurai, appears to have shifted his stance. In a blog post dated July 22nd, he cautioned against calling Yasuke a samurai. However, in an interview with Sankei Newspaper on August 5th, he stated: “Even if they were samurai, sometimes it was only ‘formally’… He was not like the ‘samurai warrior’ that Westerners imagine, cutting down enemies one after another, so I feel uncomfortable with him being treated as a ‘legendary samurai.’” This nuanced view that he was a samurai but likely in a ceremonial sense was misreported by thatparkplace.com in an article titled: Japanese Historian Yūichi Goza Speculates That Yasuke Was Simply Oda Nobunaga’s Bodyguard And Entertainer Rather Than A Samurai As He’s Depicted In ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’.
The Significance of NHK’s Position
Given NHK’s legal mandate to provide factual information and its repeated affirmation of Yasuke’s samurai status, it’s challenging to justify continued skepticism. NHK’s stance is backed by extensive research and expert consultation, making it a reliable source of information on Japanese history and culture.
Respecting Japan’s Historical Narratives
While global perspectives are valuable, Japan has the right to define and interpret its own historical narratives. NHK, with its resources and responsibilities, provides a credible foundation for understanding Yasuke’s status. Those who disagree with NHK’s stance should critically evaluate their sources and credentials.
Debunking the Myth: Yasuke’s Samurai Status Predates Thomas Lockley’s Narrative
In recent years, the story of Yasuke, the African samurai, has captured the imagination of many, thanks in part to Thomas Lockley’s book. However, the notion that Yasuke’s status as a samurai is a recent invention or solely a product of Lockley’s narrative is demonstrably false. Let’s delve into the evidence and set the record straight.
Yasuke’s Historical Presence in Japanese Culture
Yasuke’s presence in Japanese culture predates Lockley’s work by a significant margin. While Lockley’s book undoubtedly played a role in popularizing Yasuke’s story in the West, it’s crucial to recognize that Yasuke was already a well-documented figure in Japan.
For instance, the Japanese Wikipedia entry for Yasuke provides a fascinating window into how his story has been perceived and documented over time. According to internet archive records, Yasuke has been listed as a samurai on this platform as early as 2007. This is a full decade before Lockley’s book was published, challenging the idea that Lockley’s work is the source of Yasuke’s samurai status.
Recent Edits and Online Debates
Interestingly, it’s only recently that the entry has been edited to dispute this classification. This recent change, occurring earlier this year, coincides with the surge in online debates about Yasuke’s status. It’s worth noting that this edit is not a reflection of new historical evidence, but rather a result of increased scrutiny and debate surrounding Yasuke’s story.
However, the story doesn’t end there. While the main Yasuke entry is currently under debate, other related Wikipedia pages continue to recognize his samurai status. For instance, the entry for “Samurai from Overseas” still lists Yasuke as the first foreign samurai. This page includes multiple categories, including one for “A person who was allowed to carry a sword, but was not of the samurai class, or it is unclear whether he or she was of the samurai class.” Despite the existence of this nuanced category, Yasuke remains listed as a samurai proper.
The Complex Nature of Historical Debates
This discrepancy between different Wikipedia entries highlights the complex nature of historical debates in the digital age. It also underscores the importance of considering multiple sources when researching historical figures, especially those whose stories intersect with complex cultural and historical contexts.
Another interesting aspect of this online narrative battle is how the Japanese Wikipedia editors have handled the influx of information and debate. Most of the talking points that have gained traction in the United States have been funneled into the page for “Thomas Lockley” rather than the main “Yasuke” page. This editorial decision reflects a judgment on the credibility of these sources, suggesting that the Japanese editors consider many of these points to be more related to Lockley’s interpretation than to the historical figure of Yasuke himself.
NHK’s Viewpoint: The Final Word?
Perhaps most tellingly, the very last entry on the Yasuke page is dedicated to “NHK’s Viewpoint.” As we’ve discussed in previous sections, NHK’s stance on this matter carries significant weight due to its legal mandate and rigorous fact-checking processes. The inclusion of NHK’s viewpoint as the final word on the page speaks volumes about its perceived authority on the matter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Thomas Lockley’s book has certainly brought Yasuke’s story to a wider audience, it is not the origin of Yasuke’s status as a samurai. Historical records and Japanese cultural documentation affirm Yasuke’s role long before Lockley’s narrative took shape. This serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough research and the consideration of multiple sources when exploring historical figures. Yasuke’s story is a rich tapestry that continues to inspire and intrigue, transcending the bounds of any single narrative.
Debunking Myths: Japanese Sentiment on the Assassin’s Creed Yasuke Controversy
The debate surrounding the portrayal of Yasuke, an African samurai, in the upcoming Assassin’s Creed game has sparked considerable discussion online. However, recent survey results reveal that the primary concerns of the Japanese populace might not align with the prevailing narratives in Western media. Let’s dive into the findings of a comprehensive survey conducted by Surveroid on July 22, 2024, which sheds light on Japanese sentiment regarding this controversy.
田中辰雄. “アサクリ・弥助炎上事件――正義とキャンセルカルチャー.” アサクリ・弥助炎上事件――正義とキャンセルカルチャー, 20 Aug. 2024, https://synodos.jp/opinion/international/29244/.
Awareness of the Controversy
First and foremost, it’s crucial to address the level of awareness about the controversy. Despite the online uproar, only 32% of the 3,741 respondents had even heard about the Assassin’s Creed Yasuke debate. This statistic alone puts things into perspective: while the controversy might seem pervasive in certain gaming circles or social media platforms, it has barely registered for the majority of Japanese people.
Primary Concerns
When those aware of the controversy were asked about their primary concerns regarding the game, historical accuracy wasn’t the top issue. In fact, it ranked third. The top two concerns were:
1. Misrepresentation of Japanese Culture to an International Audience (62% of those aware of the controversy).
2. Impact on Japan’s Gaming Industry Due to Potential International Backlash (57%).
These results indicate that the Japanese populace is more worried about the broader cultural and economic implications rather than the specifics of historical accuracy.
Misinformation and Misconceptions
The survey also uncovered several common misconceptions among those aware of the controversy:
- 41% believed that the game portrayed Yasuke as a high-ranking samurai general, which isn’t accurate based on available information.
- 35% thought that the game claimed Yasuke had single-handedly changed the course of Japanese history, another misconception.
- 28% believed that the game developers had ignored all historical research, despite Ubisoft’s consultations with historians.
Attitudes Towards Cancel Culture
One of the most enlightening sections of the poll dealt with cancel culture. Japanese respondents showed a markedly different attitude compared to Western discourse:
- Only 18% viewed cancel culture as a potentially positive force for social change.
- A significant 65% saw it as predominantly negative, with potential to stifle creativity and open dialogue.
- The remaining 17% were neutral or undecided.
When specifically asked about canceling or boycotting the Assassin’s Creed game, the response was even more clear-cut. A whopping 78% opposed any form of boycott or cancellation. Their reasons varied:
- 52% felt that creative works should be judged on their overall merit, not single issues.
- 47% worried about the precedent it would set for future creative works.
- 41% believed that dialogue and education were better solutions than cancellation.
Generational Divide
The survey also revealed a generational divide in attitudes:
- Younger respondents (18–34) were more likely to be aware of the controversy (41% compared to 27% of those over 55).
- They were also more likely to see cancel culture as potentially positive (24% vs. 13%).
However, even among the younger demographic, the majority still opposed cancellation as a solution.
Cultural Exchange and Representation
A significant 72% of respondents felt that international interest in Japanese history and culture, even if not always 100% accurate, was generally positive. Many expressed the view that such interest could lead to greater cultural understanding and dialogue.
Interestingly, 68% of respondents said they would be interested in playing a game that portrayed their culture from an outside perspective, even if it contained some inaccuracies. They saw it as an opportunity to understand how others view Japan and as a starting point for cultural exchange.
Video Games and Historical Education
Opinions were mixed on the role of video games in historical education:
- 54% believed games could be a valuable tool for sparking interest in history.
- Only 23% thought they should be considered reliable sources of historical information.
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This suggests a nuanced understanding of the role of entertainment media in education.
Broader Impact of the Controversy
The poll also revealed some interesting perspectives on the broader impact of the controversy:
- 61% of those aware of the issue felt that the debate had increased their interest in learning more about Yasuke and the historical period.
- 57% said they would be more likely to fact-check historical claims in games and other media as a result of this controversy.
These findings suggest that the debate may have a lasting impact on media literacy among Japanese consumers.
Conclusion
The survey conducted by Surveroid provides valuable insights into Japanese sentiment regarding the Assassin’s Creed Yasuke controversy. While the online debate may seem all-encompassing, it’s clear that the majority of Japanese people are more concerned with the broader cultural and economic implications rather than the specifics of historical accuracy.
Moreover, the strong opposition to cancel culture and the interest in cultural exchange highlight a preference for engagement and dialogue over punitive actions. These findings offer a nuanced perspective that is often missing in the broader discourse surrounding this controversy.
Unraveling the Yasuke Controversy: A Deep Dive into Online Manipulation and Cultural Misunderstandings
The Yasuke controversy has taken an unexpected turn, with online activity revealing intriguing patterns that suggest a disconnect between the narrative being pushed and its actual origins. Let’s examine the data to understand what’s really going on.
The initial spike in views on Yasuke’s Wikipedia page occurred in mid-May, coinciding with the release of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Premiere Trailer on May 15th. This timing is crucial as it marks the beginning of a surge in interest around Yasuke. Interestingly, while the English and Japanese Wikipedia pages initially received similar view counts, the English page quickly outpaced its Japanese counterpart, indicating a disproportionate interest from English-speaking audiences.
Perhaps more surprising is the unusually high level of activity from Russian-speaking users. On May 15th, Russian ranked second only to English in Wikipedia hits for Yasuke. This is a significant shift from previous years when Russian-language interest in this topic was much lower. The sudden surge in Russian engagement raises questions about the true nature of this controversy and its origins.
The Wikipedia edits themselves tell a compelling story. There was a massive increase in entries, with many contributions coming from non-native posters. IP address analysis reveals patterns of coordinated activity. Most users who contributed during this period have since been banned, highlighting the problematic nature of their edits. The Japanese entry for Yasuke is now locked until August 16, 2025, requiring extended approval for any changes. This extraordinary measure underscores the severity of the misinformation problem.
A closer look at the editing history reveals some interesting patterns. Several top contributors, such as “Lutepatious,” “Shimabara2024,” and “ぼーしー,” only began editing in 2024, coinciding with the spike in activity. This sudden influx of new accounts making significant edits to a controversial topic is, to say the least, suspicious.
The situation on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), mirrors the Wikipedia activity. Sentiment analysis of posts related to Yasuke reveals some noteworthy trends. There’s a growing suspicion among Japanese users that much of the criticism and controversy surrounding Yasuke originates from foreign sources rather than within Japan itself.
To illustrate this point, let’s look at some of the top tweets using the term “弥助” (Yasuke) in Japanese. The most widely shared posts overwhelmingly express positive or neutral sentiments about Yasuke, often celebrating his unique place in Japanese history. This stands in stark contrast to the heated debates and criticisms seen in English-language discussions.
Initially, I too suspected that U.S.-based users were primarily responsible for driving the controversy. However, a deeper dive into the data revealed a more complex picture. When examining controversial posts, we can observe bot-like activities, suggesting coordinated efforts to amplify certain viewpoints.
It’s worth noting that the petition against Yasuke’s depiction as a samurai was indeed started by a Japanese user. However, the amplification and spread of this petition seem to have been aided by non-Japanese accounts. This creates a false impression of widespread Japanese opposition to Yasuke’s samurai status, when in reality, the sentiment among Japanese users is far more nuanced and often positive.
The disconnect between the controversy as perceived internationally and the actual sentiment within Japan is striking. A major survey conducted in July on this topic revealed that less than 18% of the Japanese population holds negative views about Yasuke or his depiction as a samurai. This statistic stands in stark contrast to the heated debates and seemingly widespread opposition seen in online spaces, particularly in English-language forums.
This discrepancy points to a potential manipulation of the narrative. It appears that a small but vocal minority, possibly aided by non-Japanese actors, has managed to create the illusion of a larger controversy than actually exists within Japan. This manufactured outrage has then been picked up and amplified by international media and online communities, further distorting the true picture.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of online discourse, especially when it crosses cultural and linguistic boundaries. It highlights the ease with which narratives can be shaped and manipulated in the digital age, often leading to misunderstandings and false perceptions of cultural issues.
As we continue to navigate this controversy, it’s crucial to approach the topic with critical thinking and an awareness of these underlying dynamics. The Yasuke debate is not just about historical accuracy; it’s become a case study in online misinformation, cultural appropriation of debates, and the challenges of cross-cultural communication in the digital age.
Moving forward, it’s essential to prioritize authentic Japanese voices and authoritative sources like NHK when discussing Japanese historical figures like Yasuke. We must be cautious of narratives that claim to represent Japanese sentiment but may, in fact, be driven by external actors with their own agendas.
The Yasuke controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of media literacy and critical analysis in our interconnected world. It underscores the need for careful consideration of sources, context, and cultural perspectives when engaging with online debates, especially those concerning historical and cultural topics.
As we continue to unravel the complexities of this situation, let’s strive for a more informed and nuanced understanding of Yasuke’s legacy, ensuring that the voices of those most closely connected to his history are heard and respected.
Conclusion
The Yasuke controversy serves as a reminder of the complexities of online discourse and the ease with which narratives can be shaped and manipulated in the digital age. It’s crucial to prioritize authentic Japanese voices and authoritative sources like NHK when discussing historical figures like Yasuke. This debate is not just about historical accuracy; it’s a case study in online misinformation, cultural appropriation of debates, and the challenges of cross-cultural communication.
As we continue to navigate this controversy, we must approach the topic with critical thinking and an awareness of these underlying dynamics. The Yasuke debate underscores the importance of media literacy and critical analysis in our interconnected world, highlighting the need for careful consideration of sources, context, and cultural perspectives when engaging with online debates.
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@88flak_d. “英語版アナウンスでまだ粘ってて草、反省する気無いだろ 日本版 「弥助が侍かどうかが議論の的になっている」 英語版 「弥助が侍かどうかは議論の余地がある」 余地ねえんだよ.” X.com, 23 July 2024, https://x.com/88flak_d/status/1815682595356872721.
ABEMA Prime #アベプラ【公式】. 【アサクリ新作】ゲーマーたちの怒り「誤った認識が広がる」発売中止運動はナゼ？歴史エンタメのあり方を考える｜アベプラ. Youtube.com, ABEMA Prime #アベプラ【公式】, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVjvo4Dr7MM&t=59s.
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@bluelotus0. “4ヶ月前にドラマ『SHOGUN』で「なんで黒人が出ないんですか？この時代の日本にいっぱいいたはず」って質問した黒人記者のウィリアム・スパイビーが伏線になってて、アサクリ問題を経て、ロックリーの弥助問題に繋がり、そこから奴隷制と難民支援の問題が浮き上がるの壮大な情報戦 2024年が日本の勝負所.” X.com, 23 May 2024, https://x.com/bluelotus0/status/1815615358830526653.
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“ノート:弥助.” Wikipedia (Japanese), 27 Aug. 2024, https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%8E%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88:%E5%BC%A5%E5%8A%A9.
参議院議員 浜田 聡. 弥助がテーマのNHK番組「Black Samurai～」について、NHKに質問したところ、回答がきました. Youtube.com, 参議院議員 浜田 聡, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEI5vFl39cY&t=70s.
— -. 弥助に関する調査、途中経過. Youtube.com, 参議院議員 浜田 聡, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wtk2p-R_6V8&t=3s.
— -. 黒人男性弥助（やすけ）、アサシンクリードシャドウズ、トーマスロックリー氏について東京大学の岡美穂子准教授のご意見を紹介します ※表現の自由は重要です. Youtube.com, 参議院議員 浜田 聡, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv8zdy5usds.
奥原慎平. “黒人侍「弥助」の仏ゲーム、文科省「公序良俗反するなら慎重に対応」 浜田聡氏に回答.” Sankei Newspaper, 24 July 2024, https://www.sankei.com/article/20240724-WTXDURJJXJAK7DGLOI6HQMTIIY/.
“弥助.” Wikipedia (Japanese), 21 Aug. 2024, https://ja.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%E5%BC%A5%E5%8A%A9.
“弥助 • Ja.Wikipedia.Org — Wikipedia Statistics.” XTools, 27 Aug. 2024, https://xtools.wmcloud.org/articleinfo/ja.wikipedia.org/%E5%BC%A5%E5%8A%A9.
“弥助関連史料とその英訳 / English translated historical documents related to Yasuke.” Hatena Blog, 30 July 2024, https://sleepcratic-republic.hatenablog.com/entry/2024/07/30/225016.
日本ファクトチェックセンター(JFC). “「信長の南蛮鎧」とエチオピアの鎧を比較する研究論文がある？ 論文の「著者」とされた人は執筆を否定【ファクトチェック】.” Japan Fact-Check Center, 13 Aug. 2024, https://www.factcheckcenter.jp/fact-check/history/false-comparison-of-armor-nobunaga-ethiopia/.
— -. 「信長の南蛮鎧」とエチオピアの鎧を比較する研究論文がある？ 論文の「著者」とされた人は執筆を否定【ファクトチェック】.
“海外出身の武士の一覧.” Wikipedia (Japanese), 27 Aug. 2024, https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B5%B7%E5%A4%96%E5%87%BA%E8%BA%AB%E3%81%AE%E6%AD%A6%E5%A3%AB%E3%81%AE%E4%B8%80%E8%A6%A7.
“海外出身の武士の一覧 (August 4th, 2015).” Wikipedia (Japanese), 4 Aug. 2015, https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B5%B7%E5%A4%96%E5%87%BA%E8%BA%AB%E3%81%AE%E6%AD%A6%E5%A3%AB%E3%81%AE%E4%B8%80%E8%A6%A7.
田中辰雄. “アサクリ・弥助炎上事件――正義とキャンセルカルチャー.” アサクリ・弥助炎上事件――正義とキャンセルカルチャー, 20 Aug. 2024, https://synodos.jp/opinion/international/29244/.
“織田信長に仕えた「弥助」巡る番組「問題あったとは思っていない」とＮＨＫ見解.” Sankei Newspaper, 24 July 2024, https://www.sankei.com/article/20240724-MRNTSYIV2JKBXMVMJHQNVJ3KGI/.
鎌倉通信の重黒木優平、じゅうくろきゆうへい. 【最新】アサシンクリード シャドウズ、弥助、トーマスロックリー氏、について政府見解を聞いてみた。. Youtube.com, 鎌倉通信の重黒木優平、じゅうくろきゆうへい, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hp3EzjDiyY.
高橋寛次. “「日本史を侮辱」戦国時代舞台の仏ゲーム、発売中止署名に９万超 主人公「弥助」巡り論争.” Sankei Newspaper, 24 July 2024, https://www.sankei.com/article/20240724-TY6VB2TKQZDRLKU6TEOSXTRLSU/.
