It is well known that George Lucas drew inspiration for Star Wars from the samurai culture of feudal Japan, but it turns out he had a specific historical figure in mind for the basis of Darth Vader. The most famous villain in cinema history shares a lot in common with one of the most iconic and fearsome warlords in Japanese history, Date Masamune.
Date Masamune was inspirational for the creation of Darth Vader through not only his distinguishable black armor, but also his life story and complicated reputation as being both charitable and vengeful. Masamune rose through the ranks of feudal Japan to become one of the most powerful warlords in the country, much like the rise of Vader to the ruler of the galaxy.
Lucas was heavily inspired by samurai culture and eastern religions for his spiritual warriors, the Jedi, and the formidable Sith Lords. He was a huge fan of prominent Japanese director, Akira Kurosawa, who made a film called Kagemusha, which Lucas was an executive producer on. Most notably, Vader's helmet can be traced back to samurai gear, especially Masamune's iconic black armor. Masamune wore a rimmed helmet with an extended shield around the back and sides of his head, much like the helmet Vader is known for. The earliest sketches of Vader from Ralph McQuarrie are eerily reminiscent of Masamune in his full body armor, making the connection undeniable.
Date Masamune's almost mythic life also provides several parallels to the infamous Star Wars villain. Masamune was born in 1576. The eldest son of a feudal lord over the Tohoku Region of Japan, Masamune lost vision in his right eye as a child after contracting smallpox, similar to how Anakin lost many of his limbs and bodily faculties in the battle of Mustafar. Masamune was abandoned by his mother because of his vision impairment, making him a less suitable heir to the family throne. Anakin also grew up with only one parent, although it was his mother who stayed to raise him.
Masamune was born into political instability in Japan and participated in military campaigns with his father from an early age. He became a ruthless warrior and a capable leader of his family clan, succeeding his father, and surely proving an inspiration for the meteoritic rise of Anakin to Jedi Knight and eventually Sith Lord. Masamune's ferocity enabled him to rise to power but also concerned fellow lords who feared his ambitions. This conflict is seen in Anakin's story as well, as Anakin's impressive abilities made him a great Jedi, but also were fuelled by deep-seated anger that worried the Jedi Council.
Masamune had an imposing reputation among other feudal lords, and he did not take well to traitors. One group of insurgent samurai kidnapped Masamune's father, prompting a swift retaliation from Masamune's army. When Masamune caught up to the fleeing kidnappers before they crossed a river into their domain, his father ordered Masamune's troops to fire on the kidnappers. They obeyed and squashed the rebellion, along with killing Masamune's father. As punishment for the murder of his father, Masamune killed the family member of all of the men involved in the kidnapping. This sounds hauntingly familiar to how Anakin killed all of the Tusken Raiders after they abducted and caused the death of his mother, Shmi.
Masamune went onto become the most powerful warlord in Northern Japan, but his bloody conquests on the battlefield were also accompanied by charitable deeds he executed while in power. Masamune built up Japan's marine infrastructure with Western technology that he enthusiastically accepted. He also facilitated the spread of Christianity and supported one of the only diplomatic missions in feudal Japan; the first Japanese seafaring expedition to circumnavigate the world. Both Masamune and Vader built a flourishing empire based on technological advancement and severe leadership that inspired obedience.
The parallels between Date Masamune and Darth Vader are uncanny. Lucas was not only inspired by the samurai's formidable war attire, but also by his remarkable and hard-fought life. It seems only fitting that the most fearsome Sith in the galaxy is based on an equally imposing figure in Japanese history, who has exalted himself into pop culture. The Force is certainly strong with Masamune.