Japan's PM Clarifies Stance on Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Shigeru Ishiba, the Prime Minister of Japan, addressed concerns about Ubisoft's upcoming game, Assassin's Creed Shadows, during an official government conference meeting. While some reports suggested a strong criticism of the game's depiction of shrines, the reality is more nuanced.

IGN, in collaboration with IGN Japan, provided an accurate translation and contextual background to clarify the situation. Ubisoft has previously issued multiple apologies related to Assassin's Creed Shadows, acknowledging issues with the game's portrayal of Feudal Japan and its marketing efforts. The company emphasized its collaboration with historians and consultants but admitted that some promotional materials had caused concern within Japan.

Notable incidents included the unauthorized use of a flag from a Japanese historical re-enactment group in promotional artwork and the removal of a collectible statue by PureArts due to its depiction of a one-legged Torii gate, which some found offensive given its association with the Sannō Shrine in Nagasaki, near the atomic bomb hypocenter.

Amid these controversies, the game's launch has sparked discussions not only in Japan but also among some Western fans regarding its depiction of the country. Japanese politician Hiroyuki Kada, a member of the House of Councillors, raised concerns during the conference, stating:

"I fear that allowing players to attack and destroy real-world locations in the game without permission could encourage similar behavior in real life. Shrine officials and local residents are also worried about this. Of course, freedom of expression must be respected, but acts that demean local cultures should be avoided."

In response, Prime Minister Ishiba remarked:

"How to address this legally is something we need to discuss with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Defacing a shrine is out of the question - it is an insult to the nation itself. When the Self-Defense Forces were deployed to Samawah, Iraq, we ensured they studied Islamic customs beforehand. Respecting the culture and religion of a country is fundamental, and we must make it clear that we will not simply accept acts that disregard them."

These statements were accurately translated, but the context surrounding them is crucial. Japan has experienced a surge in overseas visitors following the reopening of its borders and the favorable exchange rate. Politician Hiroyuki Kada linked his concerns about Assassin's Creed Shadows to the broader issue of "over tourism" and perceived increases in vandalism and graffiti. He argued that in-game actions, like defacing a temple or attacking with a katana, might inspire similar real-life behaviors among tourists.

Prime Minister Ishiba's response focused on theoretical real-life actions rather than the game itself. The shrine depicted in the game, Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, is within Kada's constituency, and he claimed Ubisoft did not seek permission to use it. While Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Masaki Ogushi mentioned potential government collaboration if the shrine sought consultation, the likelihood of significant action remains low, especially with Ubisoft's proactive response.

Ubisoft announced a day-one patch for Assassin's Creed Shadows, set to launch on March 20, which will make in-game shrine furniture indestructible, reduce unnecessary bloodshed in shrines and temples, and remove blood depictions when attacking unarmed NPCs. This patch, reported in Japan but not yet confirmed by Ubisoft's Western operations, aims to address these concerns.

The pressure is high for Assassin's Creed Shadows to succeed globally for Ubisoft, following delays and the poor sales performance of Star Wars Outlaws. Ubisoft has faced numerous challenges, including high-profile flops, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations. IGN's review of Assassin's Creed Shadows awarded it an 8/10, praising the game for refining its open-world mechanics.

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