Japan's PM Comments on Assassin's Creed Shadows Controversy

During an official government conference, Shigeru Ishiba, the Prime Minister of Japan, addressed concerns about Ubisoft’s game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which is set in Feudal Japan. The discussion was prompted by a question from Hiroyuki Kada, a Japanese politician and member of the House of Councillors, who raised issues about the game's depiction of shrines and its potential impact on real-life behavior. IGN, working with IGN Japan, provided an accurate translation and context to clarify the situation.

Ubisoft has previously apologized for various aspects of Assassin’s Creed Shadows and its marketing, which have caused upset among some in Japan. The game, described by Ubisoft as historical fiction rather than a factual representation, has stirred controversy due to perceived inaccuracies and the unauthorized use of a flag from a Japanese historical re-enactment group in its artwork. Additionally, a collectible figure maker, PureArts, withdrew a statue from sale due to its depiction of a one-legged Torii gate, which some found offensive due to its association with the Sannō Shrine in Nagasaki, near the atomic bomb's hypocenter during World War II.

In response to Kada’s concerns about the game's potential to encourage real-life vandalism, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the need for legal discussions with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He stressed that defacing a shrine is unacceptable and likened the importance of respecting cultural and religious sites to the efforts made by the Self-Defense Forces in Iraq.

The context of this discussion is set against Japan's recent surge in tourism, with Kada linking the game to increased vandalism and graffiti in the country. He specifically mentioned the Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, within his constituency, which appears in the game without the shrine's permission. While Masaki Ogushi, Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, suggested that government agencies would collaborate if the shrine sought consultation, the responses from both ministers remained vague and unlikely to lead to specific actions.

Ubisoft has addressed these concerns by implementing a day-one patch for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which will make certain in-game shrine elements indestructible and reduce depictions of bloodshed in shrines and temples. This patch also modifies how unarmed NPCs are affected during attacks. Ubisoft’s proactive approach suggests a sensitivity to Japanese sentiments, despite the initial criticisms.

The success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is crucial for Ubisoft, following delays and the underperformance of recent releases like Star Wars Outlaws. Amidst layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations, the company faces significant pressure to deliver a successful title. IGN’s review of the game scored it an 8/10, praising its refined open-world experience.

Shigeru Ishiba, the Prime Minister of Japan, responded to a question about Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Photographer: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

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