History remembers Yasuke as the African samurai who found his place in Japan. Today, boxer John Masamba carries that name into the ring while building a life between Johannesburg and Osaka.
YLA: What inspired you to pursue boxing as a career?
John: Growing up, I wanted to become a better fighter for self-defence – to protect myself and my brothers, because we were always out in the parks in Joburg. I was fed up with daily dangers and decided to improve my fighting skills, so I found a boxing gym. From there, everything took off.
Finding a home in Japan
YLA: You’ve built your career between Johannesburg and Osaka – what does “home” look like?
John: At first, I felt like a stranger in Japan, but over time I started to feel like a local. I’ve adapted to the food, culture, language, and lifestyle. Now I feel like I belong, and I don’t feel far from home anymore.
YLA: Outside of boxing, what does a typical day off in Japan look like?
John: On my days off, I like to explore. I’ve travelled to Kyoto with my manager, and we dressed in traditional kimonos to explore historical sites like the Togetsukyo Bridge and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. I enjoy visiting temples, experiencing the culture, and seeing in real life what I’ve seen in anime and movies.
YLA: What’s been the most unexpected or meaningful part of Japanese culture?
John: The biggest challenge and most meaningful part has been the language. In Japan, many people don’t speak English, so I had to push myself to learn Japanese. I practise every day, listen to podcasts, and spend time around locals. Once I started to grasp the language, everything became easier. It made a huge difference in how I experience the country.
The Legacy of Yasuke
YLA: Your alias ‘Yasuke’ carries powerful historical symbolism. Tell us about its origins.
John: Yasuke was a samurai originally from Mozambique, and the first black samurai in Japan. Using that name is an honour; it gives me a sense of inner strength and reminds me that I’m representing not just myself, but where I come from.
YLA: You grew up in the Johannesburg CBD with your brothers. What are some habits you still carry with you from that time?
John: Growing up, I was quite introverted, and that’s something I still carry with me today. I value my space and keep a strong sense of focus. That mindset helped me stay away from negative influences. Some of my brothers went down the wrong path, and that pushed me even more to stay disciplined and focused.
Beyond the Ring
YLA: When you’re not training, how do you like to reset mentally?
John: I enjoy shopping and fashion. I like to look good, whether I’m in the gym, the ring, or out and about. Fashion is a big part of how I express myself. Japanese street style has really influenced me. Outside of that, food plays a role in relaxing. I love trying new dishes I’ve seen online.
YLA: You’ve already achieved significant milestones. What do these accolades mean to you?
John: Early in my career, it was about representing my country and travelling the world. I had dreams of going to the Olympics, which didn’t happen – not because I hadn’t qualified, but as a result of national amateur team negligence, so that shifted my mindset to the pro game.
I’d always dreamt of making my professional debut abroad, and that opportunity presented itself after my manager convinced former WBC World Champion, Tomoki Kameda, to bring me as a sparring partner. After impressing him during the camp, I moved across, and my dream of debuting abroad became a reality. I became the first South African to debut in Japan in March 2025.
YLA: What keeps you connected to South Africa?
John: Music plays a big role. I listen to a lot of deep house, Amapiano, and old-school South African jazz music. It reminds me of home – the energy, the lifestyle, and the vibe of Johannesburg.
YLA: What motivates you on days when you’re homesick?
John: Boxing is a lonely sport, so motivation must come from within. I focus on achieving my goals and becoming a world champion. That drive keeps me going, even on tough days.
YLA: What does “luxury” mean to you?
John: It’s about how I present myself – both in and out of the ring. Looking good gives me confidence. Whether it’s my clothes, my shoes, or how I carry myself, it all matters. For me, luxury is a lifestyle. It’s something I strive for in every part of my life.
Images: Supplied
