Japan PM Comments on Assassin's Creed Shadows Controversy

Shigeru Ishiba, the Prime Minister of Japan, addressed concerns about Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows during a recent government conference. Contrary to some reports, the Prime Minister's comments were more nuanced than outright criticism of the game. IGN, in collaboration with IGN Japan, provided an accurate translation and context to clarify the situation.

Ubisoft has faced criticism in Japan over various aspects of Assassin's Creed Shadows, leading to multiple apologies from the company. The game, set in Feudal Japan, has been criticized for its historical inaccuracies, prompting Ubisoft to clarify that the game is intended as historical fiction rather than a factual representation. Additionally, Ubisoft acknowledged issues with promotional materials and unauthorized use of a flag from a Japanese historical re-enactment group. Another controversy involved a collectible statue featuring a one-legged Torii gate, which holds significant cultural meaning in Japan, leading to its removal from sale by PureArts.

Amidst these controversies, Japanese politician Hiroyuki Kada raised concerns during the conference about the potential real-world impact of the game's depiction of shrine destruction. Kada, a member of the House of Councillors of Japan, expressed fears that such in-game actions could inspire vandalism in real life, especially in light of increasing tourism and associated issues in Japan. He highlighted the specific example of Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, which appears in the game without permission from the shrine's representatives.

In response, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the need for legal discussions with relevant ministries to address such concerns. He strongly opposed the idea of defacing shrines, drawing a parallel to the respect shown by Japanese Self-Defense Forces in Iraq. Ishiba's comments were focused on the potential for real-world copycat behavior rather than a direct critique of the game itself.

Ubisoft has taken steps to address these concerns, announcing a day-one patch for Assassin's Creed Shadows that will make certain shrine elements indestructible and reduce depictions of violence within sacred spaces. This patch aims to show sensitivity to Japanese cultural sentiments, although it has not yet been confirmed by Ubisoft's western division.

The game's launch is crucial for Ubisoft, coming after several delays and following the commercial disappointment 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 was positive, awarding it an 8/10 and praising its refinement of the open-world style that Ubisoft has developed over the last decade.

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