Japan's Prime Minister Addresses Assassin’s Creed Shadows Controversy

During a government conference, Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed concerns about Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Contrary to reports suggesting he criticized Ubisoft’s depiction of shrines in the Feudal Japan-themed game, his response was measured and focused on broader cultural respect.

IGN, with assistance from IGN Japan, obtained an accurate translation and context for the exchange. We have also reached out to Ubisoft for comment.

Leading up to the delayed launch of Shadows, Ubisoft issued multiple apologies for elements of the game and its marketing that sparked discontent in Japan.

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

Ubisoft highlighted its work with historians and consultants, but acknowledged that “certain promotional materials have raised concerns in Japan’s community,” expressing sincere regret.

Further concerns arose when Ubisoft used a flag from a Japanese historical re-enactment group in Shadows’ artwork without permission, leading to another apology.

PureArts, a collectible figure maker, also withdrew an Assassin’s Creed Shadows statue featuring a one-legged Torii gate, deemed offensive by some. Torii gates, found near shrines across Japan, mark the divide between the human and sacred realms. The one-legged Torii at Nagasaki’s Sannō Shrine, located near the World War II atomic bomb hypocenter, holds profound significance.

Amid this, Assassin’s Creed Shadows faces scrutiny not only in Japan but also among some Western fans questioning its portrayal of the country.

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

“Permitting players to damage real-world sites in the game without consent could inspire similar acts in reality. Shrine officials and locals are concerned. While freedom of expression is vital, actions that disrespect local traditions must be avoided.”

Prime Minister Ishiba replied:

“We must 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 disrespects the nation. When deploying Self-Defense Forces to Samawah, Iraq, we ensured they studied Islamic customs. Respecting a nation’s culture and religion is essential, and we will not tolerate disregard for them.”

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

Japan has seen a surge in overseas tourists since reopening post-pandemic, fueled by a weak yen. In this budget meeting, Kada linked his Shadows critique to “overtourism” and a perceived increase in vandalism and graffiti.

He argued that allowing players to deface temples or wield katanas in-game might encourage real-life imitation, echoing debates about games like Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto inciting violence.

Ishiba clarified that he would oppose such real-life actions, but his remarks focused on hypothetical scenarios, not the game itself.

The shrine depicted in Shadows gameplay, Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, lies in Kada’s constituency. He noted that Ubisoft did not seek permission from shrine representatives to feature it.

Masaki Ogushi, Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, said agencies would collaborate “if the shrine requests consultation.” However, as a work of artistic expression, Ubisoft is likely protected under Japan’s Constitution.

Both ministers’ responses were vague, suggesting little concrete action. Ubisoft appears to have preemptively addressed concerns with a day-one patch, demonstrating sensitivity to Japanese sentiments.

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News of the day-one patch surfaced in Japan today, though Ubisoft’s Western branch has yet to confirm. Per Automaton, Ubisoft announced changes for Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, effective at its March 20 release.

The patch will make shrine tables and shelves indestructible, reduce non-essential bloodshed in sacred spaces, and eliminate blood effects when attacking unarmed NPCs. IGN has inquired whether this patch is Japan-specific.

Globally, Assassin’s Creed Shadows carries high stakes for Ubisoft, following delays and the commercial disappointment of Star Wars Outlaws. The company has faced major flops, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations ahead of Shadows’ launch.

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