The Prime Minister of Japan Responded to a Question About Assassin’s Creed Shadows Today — Here’s What’s Actually Going On

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed concerns regarding Ubisoft's *Assassin's Creed Shadows* during a government conference. While some reports exaggerated the Prime Minister's response as a direct attack on the game and its developer, the reality is more nuanced. IGN Japan, working with IGN, provided accurate translations and context to clarify the situation. Ubisoft has previously issued multiple apologies for aspects of the game and its marketing that caused offense in Japan.

Previous concerns included historical inaccuracies in the game's depiction of feudal Japan, prompting an apology from the development team, clarifying that the game is historical fiction. Further apologies followed the unauthorized use of a Japanese historical re-enactment group's flag in promotional materials and the removal of a collectible statue featuring a one-legged Torii gate, a symbol with significant cultural meaning, by PureArts.

The question regarding *Assassin's Creed Shadows* originated from Japanese politician Hiroyuki Kada, who expressed worry that the game's depiction of shrine desecration might inspire real-life actions. He linked this concern to the issue of "over-tourism" and a rise in vandalism. Prime Minister Ishiba responded that addressing this legally would require inter-ministerial discussion, emphasizing that defacing shrines is unacceptable and disrespectful to the nation. He cited the Self-Defense Forces' cultural sensitivity training in Iraq as an example of respecting other cultures.

The context, clarified by IGN Japan, highlights Japan's recent surge in tourism and associated concerns about vandalism. Kada's concerns focused on potential real-life consequences, not the game itself. The shrine depicted in the game, Itatehyozu Shrine, is located in Kada's constituency, and its representatives reportedly stated Ubisoft didn't seek permission to use the shrine's name and likeness. Government responses were generally vague and unlikely to lead to concrete action, especially considering Ubisoft's proactive approach with a day-one patch.

A day-one patch, reported by Automaton, is set to address concerns by making in-game shrine structures indestructible and reducing depictions of violence within shrines and temples. IGN has contacted Ubisoft for confirmation of this patch and its regional specifics.

The success of *Assassin's Creed Shadows* is crucial for Ubisoft, given previous delays and the underperformance of *Star Wars Outlaws*. Ubisoft has faced several challenges recently, including high-profile game failures, layoffs, studio closures, and cancellations. IGN's review of *Assassin's Creed Shadows* awarded it an 8/10, praising its refined gameplay.