Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s Prime Minister, addressed concerns regarding *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* during a recent government conference. While some initial reports suggested he criticized Ubisoft over the game’s portrayal of Japanese shrines, further clarification reveals his remarks were more measured and context-dependent.
IGN collaborated with IGN Japan to provide an accurate translation and deeper understanding of the exchange. We also reached out to Ubisoft for comment.
Background on Ubisoft's Cultural Considerations
Prior to its delayed release, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* has already drawn attention in Japan. Ubisoft issued multiple apologies for various aspects of the game and its marketing that caused concern among local audiences.
Criticism emerged over historical inaccuracies in the depiction of Feudal Japan. In response, the development team clarified that the game is intended as “a compelling historical fiction” rather than a strict historical record. The studio emphasized its collaboration with historians and cultural consultants but acknowledged that certain promotional materials had unintentionally caused distress. “For this, we sincerely apologize,” Ubisoft stated.
Another issue arose when Ubisoft used a flag belonging to a Japanese historical reenactment group without authorization—another mistake for which the company apologized. Additionally, collectible figure maker PureArts withdrew a *Shadows*-themed statue featuring a one-legged Torii gate, a symbol tied to the Sannō Shrine in Nagasaki, located near the site of the 1945 atomic bombing. This too raised concerns about cultural sensitivity.
The Political Context Behind the Question
The question regarding *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* was posed by Hiroyuki Kada, a member of Japan’s House of Councillors, during a budgetary meeting. He expressed concern that allowing players to attack real-world locations within the game could inspire similar behavior in reality. He voiced support for shrine officials and local communities who shared these worries, while also emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression.
In response, Prime Minister Ishiba indicated that any legal action would require consultation between several government ministries. He made it clear that defacing religious sites is unacceptable, drawing a parallel to Japan’s efforts to educate the Self-Defense Forces on cultural respect prior to overseas deployments. However, his comments focused on hypothetical real-life incidents, not direct criticism of the game itself.
The specific shrine referenced in gameplay footage is the Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, which falls within Kada’s constituency. Shrine representatives confirmed that Ubisoft did not seek permission to feature the location in the game.
Legal and Cultural Implications
While Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Masaki Ogushi stated that the government would respond if the shrine sought consultation, such action remains conditional. Under Japan’s constitutional protections for artistic expression, Ubisoft likely has legal grounds to include the shrine within the game.
Despite the ambiguity in official responses, Ubisoft appears to have taken steps to address concerns. Reports from Japan indicate that a day-one patch will make tables and shelving in shrines indestructible, reduce depictions of bloodshed in sacred spaces, and remove blood effects when attacking unarmed NPCs. These changes may help ease tensions, though Ubisoft has yet to officially confirm the patch outside of Japanese sources.
A Crucial Release for Ubisoft
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* arrives under significant pressure following delays and the commercial underperformance of last year’s *Star Wars Outlaws*. Ubisoft has faced numerous setbacks including high-profile flops, layoffs, studio closures, and canceled projects leading up to this release.
Despite the controversy, early reviews have been positive. IGN awarded the game an 8/10, noting: “By sharpening the edges of its existing systems, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* creates one of the best versions of the open-world style it’s been honing for the last decade.”
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