The upcoming game “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” by Ubisoft is currently under fire for a new round of criticism, this time coming from Japanese political figures and religious leaders who find issue with the game’s representation of a genuine Shinto shrine. In a recently discovered video, Nagase Takeshi, a representative in the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly, along with several high-ranking Shinto officials, have expressed their indignation, labeling the portrayal as disrespectful and culturally insensitive.
This pushback occurs mere months before the game’s planned launch, and it increases the growing criticism that ‘Shadows’ has been receiving since its announcement. From disagreements about history to Ubisoft’s persistent financial issues, this recent controversy could potentially lead to more difficulties for the company’s eagerly awaited game.
This report is derived from the exact words spoken by officials, but these might not always align with the English captions seen in the video. Video subtitles are frequently rephrased, shortened, or modified for regional adaptation, while a direct translation maintains the original’s full meaning and subtlety.
Japanese Officials Condemn Shrine Depiction
In the video, Nagase Takeshi, a representative from the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly, together with Shinto shrine officials, expressed their concerns about the video game “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”. They claimed that the game misrepresents Harima no Kuni Soja Ichi Shrine in Himeji by depicting disrespectful actions within its sacred grounds. In the game, Yasuke, the protagonist, is shown entering the shrine with shoes on, drawing his sword, and causing destruction, which they found offensive.
Nagase expressed that such scenes are beyond imagination for us. He questioned whether they should be tolerated just because they’re part of a game, or justified as entertainment. His answer was a firm no. When something unsettles us or goes against our values, it’s important to clearly communicate that.
As a devotee, I wholeheartedly echo the sentiments expressed by Katsutoshi Nishimoto, our revered chief priest. The portrayal of the game, in my opinion, is deeply regretful. He underscores its potential influence over our worshippers, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
As a dedicated admirer of Japanese culture, I can’t stress enough the significance of this sacred shrine. Misrepresenting or sharing images of its disrespectful treatment is something I deeply regret. Every day, countless people come to pay their respects here. If they were to witness such depictions, it would undoubtedly bring them great sadness.
The discussion shifted towards worries about how Western cultures represent Japan. Masayasu Sawada, leader of the Hyogo Prefecture Shinto Political Federation, contended that Ubisoft’s treatment in their game Shadows exemplifies a more widespread problem of cultural misinterpretation and disrespect for Japanese customs.
Sawada expressed that there seems to be a significant disrespect towards our religious customs,” he said. “It’s almost like they unconsciously view us as lesser, and although it may not be intentional, such indifference reveals a lack of appreciation for our cultural history.
Another Controversy for Assassin’s Creed Shadows
This latest backlash is just one of many controversies surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Ever since it was unveiled, the game has sparked intense discussions about its portrayal of history, cultural sensitivity, and Ubisoft’s creative choices. Specifically, the character Yasuke has stirred up contrasting opinions, with some claiming that Ubisoft is focusing on current diversity trends instead of historical accuracy. On the other hand, it’s been noted that the game’s representation of feudal Japan veers more towards fantasy influenced by Hollywood rather than adhering to historical facts.
Regardless of historical critiques, Ubisoft has faced criticism for not showing enough in-depth gameplay clips. Despite being one of their major releases this year, fans are still waiting for a detailed explanation of the game’s features, which has sparked discussions about the potential quality of the finished product.
Moreover, numerous gamers express doubts about Ubisoft’s persistent use of live-service elements and microtransactions, which have been a problem in their latest game releases.
Ubisoft’s Financial Troubles & High Stakes for Shadows
Furthermore, Ubisoft is currently grappling with significant financial difficulties. Throughout the past year, they have experienced several waves of staff reductions, closed down studios, and undergone substantial internal changes.
In the year 2025, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a crucial release for Ubisoft, and they are hoping it will be a financial triumph. Yet, ongoing debates, doubts among fans, and resistance from Japan could potentially harm its sales, particularly in Asian markets where Ubisoft has been striving to broaden its impact.
At present, Ubisoft hasn’t yet addressed the recent criticisms from Japanese authorities regarding their upcoming game. With the release date scheduled for November, the company is quickly approaching a critical juncture to tackle these issues and potentially reverse public opinion.
Will Ubisoft Respond?
It’s uncertain if Ubisoft will try to reconcile with Japanese fans or choose to disregard the escalating criticism any further.
As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve noticed that the colossal game corporation often manages to skirt around cultural critiques. However, the current uproar is unlike anything we’ve seen before, with high-ranking government figures and spiritual leaders voicing their concerns directly. This makes it significantly more challenging to brush off these accusations casually.
Under the weight of escalating tension, ongoing disagreements, and doubts about Ubisoft’s financial health, the upcoming game Assassin’s Creed Shadows is currently in a precarious position. It still remains unclear if it can rise above these hurdles and achieve a triumphant debut.
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2025-03-14 22:03