Japan PM Addresses Assassin’s Creed Shadows Controversy

During an official government conference meeting, Shigeru Ishiba, the Prime Minister of Japan, addressed a question regarding Ubisoft's "Assassin's Creed Shadows," a game set in Feudal Japan. Contrary to some reports suggesting a strong criticism of the game, the situation is more nuanced. IGN, in collaboration with IGN Japan, sought to provide an accurate translation and context of the exchange.

Ubisoft has previously apologized for various aspects of the game and its marketing, which have caused concern among some in Japan. These concerns include inaccuracies in the depiction of Feudal Japan, with the developer clarifying that the game is meant to be a work of historical fiction rather than a factual representation. Additionally, Ubisoft faced backlash for using a flag from a Japanese historical re-enactment group without permission and for a collectible figure that featured a one-legged Torii gate, which some found offensive due to its association with the Sannō Shrine in Nagasaki, a site significant due to its proximity to the World War II atomic bomb hypocenter.

The controversy surrounding "Assassin's Creed Shadows" extends beyond Japan, with some Western fans also expressing concerns about the game's depiction of the country. The question posed to Prime Minister Ishiba came from Hiroyuki Kada, a Japanese politician and member of the House of Councillors, who is set to campaign for re-election. Kada voiced worries that the game's mechanics, which allow players to attack and destroy real-world locations, could encourage similar behavior in reality, particularly affecting shrines and local residents.

Prime Minister Ishiba responded by emphasizing the need for discussions with various ministries, including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to address the legal aspects of such depictions. He stressed that defacing a shrine is an insult to the nation and highlighted Japan's respect for other cultures, referencing the preparation of the Self-Defense Forces in Iraq. Ishiba's comments focused on potential real-life actions rather than directly criticizing the game itself.

The context of this discussion is important, as Japan has seen a surge in overseas visitors post-pandemic, leading to concerns about "over tourism" and vandalism. Kada's concerns were partly tied to these broader issues, particularly since the Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, which is depicted in the game, is within his constituency. Despite these concerns, Ubisoft has taken proactive steps with a day-one patch to address some of the issues raised, such as making certain shrine elements indestructible and reducing depictions of bloodshed in sacred spaces.

The release of "Assassin's Creed Shadows" is crucial for Ubisoft, following delays and the commercial failure of "Star Wars Outlaws." The company has faced significant challenges, including high-profile flops, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations. IGN's review of "Assassin's Creed Shadows" gave it an 8/10, praising its refinement of the open-world style the series has been developing over the past decade.

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