There have only been 9-confirmed foreign Samurai in Japan’s history. And the first of those was a black man.

This Afro-Samurai, most likely from Mozambique, served under Japanese hegemon and warlord Oda Nobunaga from 1581 until 1592. He originally arrived in Japan enslaved by Italian Jesuit Alessandro Valignano.

He was given the name Yasuke.

At 6ft2″ he cut a strong figure with his Charcoal skin and was described as having the strength of ten men! He rose quickly!

Learn more about Yasuke in the video below: