Japanese PM Responds to Assassin’s Creed Shadows Cultural Concerns

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed concerns about Assassin’s Creed Shadows during a government conference, responding to questions about the game’s portrayal of cultural sites. Reports suggesting Ishiba criticized Ubisoft’s depiction of shrines were clarified as less contentious.

IGN, with assistance from IGN Japan, provided an accurate translation and context for the discussion. Ubisoft was also contacted for comment.

Ubisoft has issued multiple apologies leading up to the delayed launch of Shadows, addressing aspects of the game and its marketing that sparked unease in Japan.

Some criticized inaccuracies in the game’s portrayal of Feudal Japan, prompting the development team to apologize and clarify that the game is “a compelling historical fiction,” not a factual depiction.

Ubisoft highlighted its work with historians and consultants, but acknowledged that “some promotional materials caused concern in the Japanese community,” issuing a sincere apology.

Concerns also arose when Ubisoft used a flag from a Japanese historical re-enactment group in artwork without permission, leading to another apology.

PureArts, a collectible figure maker, withdrew an Assassin’s Creed Shadows statue featuring a one-legged Torii gate, deemed offensive by some. Torii gates, marking sacred boundaries near shrines across Japan, hold deep significance, particularly the one-legged gate at Nagasaki’s Sannō Shrine, located near the World War II atomic bomb hypocenter, where over 60,000 lives were lost.

Amid this, Assassin’s Creed Shadows faces controversy in Japan and among some Western fans over its portrayal of the country.

The question was raised by Japanese politician Hiroyuki Kada, a member of the House of Councillors, who is campaigning for re-election. Kada stated:

“I’m concerned that allowing players to damage real-world locations in the game without permission might encourage similar actions in reality. Shrine officials and locals share these worries. While freedom of expression is vital, actions that disrespect local cultures must be avoided.”

Prime Minister Ishiba replied:

“We need to consult with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address this legally.

“Damaging a shrine is unacceptable—it insults the nation. When deploying Self-Defense Forces to Samawah, Iraq, we ensured they studied local customs. Respecting a country’s culture and religion is essential, and we must not tolerate actions that disregard them.”

These translations are accurate, but context is key. IGN Japan provided insights into the situation.

Japan has seen a surge in overseas visitors post-pandemic, driven by a weak yen. During the budget meeting, Kada linked his concerns about Shadows to “overtourism” and perceived increases in vandalism and graffiti in Japan.

Kada argued that if players can deface temples or wield katanas in the game, they might be inspired to do so in real life, echoing debates about violent video games like Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto.

Ishiba clarified that his opposition targets hypothetical real-world actions, not the game itself.

The shrine in question, Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, lies within Kada’s constituency. He noted that Ubisoft did not seek permission to depict the shrine or use its name.

Masaki Ogushi, Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, stated that government agencies would assist if the shrine sought consultation, though Ubisoft’s use of the shrine in a creative work is likely protected under Japan’s Constitution.

Both ministers’ responses were vague, suggesting little concrete action. Ubisoft’s day-one patch demonstrates sensitivity to Japanese concerns, possibly more than Kada acknowledged.

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News of a day-one patch surfaced in Japan, though Ubisoft’s Western team has not yet confirmed it. According to Automaton, the patch, set for the game’s March 20 release, will make shrine tables and shelving indestructible, reduce non-essential bloodshed in sacred sites, and remove blood effects when attacking unarmed NPCs. IGN has sought clarification from Ubisoft on whether this patch is Japan-specific.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows faces high expectations globally, especially after Ubisoft’s recent challenges, including delays, the underperformance of Star Wars Outlaws, high-profile flops, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations.

IGN’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows review gave it an 8/10, noting: “By refining its core systems, Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers one of the finest open-world experiences in the series’ decade-long evolution.”