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    The legend of Yasuke

    The legend of Yasuke

    IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

    12.14.2012

    Photo by Cpl. Kenneth Trotter Jr. 

    Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

    An artist's illustration of Yasuke, an African slave who traveled with Italian Jesuit missionaries when they arrived in Japan in 1579. Legend has it Yasuke caused such a commotion upon his arrival people came in droves and clamored over one another to see him. He was rumored to have stood between 6'3" and 6'5" tall, towering over the Japanese and even many of the Italians. Tales also stated he was either 26 or 27 years old, and stronger than 10 men. After traveling with the missionaries for a time, Oda Nobunaga, the famous Japanese warlord, asked the missionaries that Yasuke be left with him for a time as he was intrigued about the African's homeland. Legend has it he was made a samurai in title only but was also said to have traveled with Nobunaga in full regalia and armaments.

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    IMAGE INFO

    Date Taken: 12.14.2012
    Date Posted: 03.04.2013 20:03
    Photo ID: 879262
    VIRIN: 121214-M-XR064-001
    Resolution: 1709x2394
    Size: 1.61 MB
    Location: IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP

    Web Views: 433
    Downloads: 4

    PUBLIC DOMAIN