KS3 Shogun Lesson - William Adams and Yasuke - Japanese History

This lesson features the real history behind the FX/Disney+ series SHOGUN

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This lesson introduces students to two non-Japanese samurai, one of which was the first Englishman in Japan and the other was the first known black man in Japan.

Yasuke is a mysterious figure who originated from somewhere in Africa. He drew the attention of the great Daimyo Oda Nobunaga, who created him a Samurai - the first samurai to not have been born in Japan.

William Adams, later known as Miura Anjin, was the first Englishman commissioned to sail to Japan and one of only nine people on his crew (which was originally over one hundred) to arrive alive. He came to the attention of the soon-to-be Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and trained his soldiers in how to use cannons and guns before leading a team of ship builders in the construction of the first major Japanese warships. Because of Adams, Tokugawa wrote a letter to King James VI and I of England and Scotland, and sent him a gift of some samurai armour.

William Adams is the source for the character John Blackthorne, and Tokugawa Ieyasu the source for Yoshii Toranaga from the FX/Disney+ series Shogun, itself based on the James Clavell book.

In addition, Yasuke will star in the upcoming video game Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.

See my profile for more lessons from this time period and some more obscure history, such as Elizabeth I’s relationship with the Muslim world. Some are free for you to assess their quality before purchasing anything.