Ubisoft’s latest title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has become an unexpected focal point of controversy in Japan, even reaching the floor of the National Diet. While Western audiences have largely viewed the game as an exciting step for the franchise, it is not up to us to determine whether it properly represents Japan. Instead, today’s perspective will focus on how the Japanese gaming community and media have reacted to the game’s portrayal of their history and culture.
The game was anticipated for years, as fans eagerly awaited an Assassin’s Creed installment set in feudal Japan. The setting itself—16th-century Japan during the chaotic Sengoku period—offers a rich historical backdrop for Ubisoft’s signature stealth and action gameplay. Players take control of two protagonists: Naoe, an Iga-born shinobi, and Yasuke, a legendary African warrior who served under Oda Nobunaga. The game’s world is undeniably beautiful, featuring detailed recreations of Edo-period towns, castles, and shrines. However, while the setting has been praised for its atmosphere, the way Ubisoft has handled certain cultural and historical aspects has sparked intense debate within Japan.
One of the biggest points of contention is the portrayal of religious sites such as temples and shrines. Shortly before launch, Japanese players discovered footage from early gameplay that showed players engaging in destructive actions inside a shrine. While open-world games often allow a high degree of player freedom, the idea of being able to desecrate a sacred place, even within a virtual setting, was seen by many in Japan as deeply disrespectful. The backlash quickly spread across social media, and on March 19, a day before the game’s release, it was brought up for discussion in the Japanese Diet. Prime Minister Ishiba publicly stated that “showing respect for cultural and religious traditions is fundamental,” adding that actions in the game that demonstrate a lack of such respect “will not be tolerated.” His statement made waves online, with some questioning why the government was prioritizing a video game over more pressing national issues, while others agreed that foreign companies should be more mindful when depicting Japan’s heritage.
The controversy was further complicated by Shadows’ depiction of Yasuke. While Yasuke was a real historical figure, his actual role in Japan remains unclear, and the game’s decision to portray him as a fully recognized samurai (a title that didn’t even exist in those days) has divided opinions. Some Japanese players appreciate his inclusion as an underrepresented historical figure, while others feel that Ubisoft took too many creative liberties. The game also features a storyline that suggests Yasuke had a romantic connection with Nobunaga’s sister, which has been met with skepticism and criticism in Japan. Many have argued that this is a clear example of Western storytelling prioritizing dramatization over historical accuracy.
Japanese gaming sites have been actively discussing the historical and cultural aspects of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. While praising its detailed visuals and expansive open world, reviews have raised concerns about its authenticity. 4Gamer and other outlets highlighted how the game’s portrayal of Yasuke as a “samurai” has sparked debate over historical accuracy, as there is little historical evidence confirming that he held such a rank. Additionally, Sankei Shimbun reported that a real-life shrine, Harima-no-kuni Sosha Itatehyozu Shrine, was recreated in the game without permission, and footage of the character Yasuke destroying objects inside the shrine caused controversy online. The shrine’s representative stated that they had never been contacted by Ubisoft and would have refused if asked.
Similarly, Sankei pointed out other inaccuracies, such as Tōdai-ji appearing in the game despite the historical fact that it was still under reconstruction during the game’s setting. Some Japanese historians and fans have expressed concern that the game might spread an inaccurate version of history internationally, leading to an online petition calling for the game’s cancellation. Ubisoft has defended its approach, stating that it consulted Japanese experts. However, critics have pointed out historical and seasonal inaccuracies, such as square-shaped tatami mats and inconsistent imagery—for instance, watermelons being sold on roadsides while cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Not only did watermelons not exist in Japan during the game’s timeframe, but they are also a summer fruit, whereas cherry blossoms only bloom in spring, making the scene feel out of place.
The game’s launch-day patch attempted to address some of these concerns. Ubisoft implemented restrictions preventing players from damaging objects inside temples and shrines and removed excessive blood effects in non-combat scenarios. While this was a step toward appeasing critics, some in Japan saw it as too little, too late. The incident has reignited discussions about how foreign companies approach Japanese history and whether they should be held to a higher standard of cultural accuracy.
Despite the controversy, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been met with a positive reception from many Japanese players. 4Gamer highlights the appeal of its dual protagonists, the enjoyment of switching between stealth and action, and the thrill of exploring landmarks. However, the review also notes some inconsistencies in the gameplay experience. While the game offers engaging mechanics, discussions about its cultural portrayal continue to spark debate.
Japanese user reactions on GameSpark reflect a wide range of opinions on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, with some praising its technical achievements while others remain critical of its historical authenticity and narrative choices. The most upvoted comment highlights the game’s visuals, particularly the introduction of a dynamic seasonal system that enhances immersion in its Sengoku-era setting. However, the user also dismisses concerns over historical inaccuracies, stating, “Oda Nobunaga appears in what looks like a cosplay-style suit of armor within the first ten minutes, and Yasuke speaks fluent Japanese—at that point, I stopped caring. It follows the same fictionalized historical framework as past Assassin’s Creed games.”
Other players were less forgiving, with one user lamenting, “At first, this was a ‘long-awaited’ title, but now it feels like a ‘disappointment’ instead.” Meanwhile, a highly upvoted critical comment questioned Ubisoft’s approach to diversity and inclusion in the game, pointing out, “They hired a historian specializing in Japanese LGBTQ history, so now half of the romance options are same-sex relationships, and there’s even a transgender character. Ubisoft has gone all-in on DEI.”
While some users expressed enjoyment of the gameplay, with comments like “Naoe’s movement is smooth and feels great, and the game is selling well both in Japan and worldwide,” others voiced concerns over the game’s longevity, historical liberties, and controversial elements, noting that “if you’re expecting historical realism, you should probably stay away.”
In the end, while Western audiences may view Shadows as an entertaining historical fantasy, the discussion in Japan shows that it is far more than just a game. It has sparked conversations about cultural representation, historical accuracy, and the responsibilities of foreign developers when portraying another country’s past. The fact that it was even discussed at the national level underscores just how significant these issues are in Japan, proving that even in the world of gaming, history and culture still matter.
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