Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed concerns about Assassin’s Creed Shadows during a government conference, responding to questions about the game’s portrayal of cultural landmarks. Reports suggesting Ishiba criticized Ubisoft’s depiction of shrines were clarified as less contentious.

IGN, with assistance from IGN Japan, provided an accurate translation and context for the discussion. Ubisoft was contacted for comment.

Ubisoft has issued multiple apologies for elements of Assassin’s Creed Shadows and its marketing that upset some in Japan, particularly ahead of the game’s delayed launch.

Critics highlighted inaccuracies in the game’s portrayal of Feudal Japan, prompting Ubisoft to apologize and clarify that the game is a work of historical fiction, not a factual depiction.

Ubisoft emphasized its work with historians and consultants, but acknowledged that “some promotional materials caused concern in Japan,” issuing a sincere apology.

Further issues arose when Ubisoft used a flag from a Japanese historical re-enactment group in artwork without permission, leading to another apology.

Collectible maker PureArts withdrew an Assassin’s Creed Shadows statue featuring a one-legged Torii gate, deemed offensive by some due to its cultural significance. Torii gates mark sacred boundaries at shrines across Japan, with a notable one-legged gate at Nagasaki’s Sannō Shrine, near the World War II atomic bomb hypocenter.

Amid these controversies, Assassin’s Creed Shadows faces scrutiny in Japan and among some Western fans over its portrayal of Japanese culture.

Japanese politician Hiroyuki Kada, a member of the House of Councillors, raised the issue, stating:

“Permitting players to damage real-world locations in the game without permission could inspire similar real-life actions. Shrine officials and locals are concerned. While freedom of expression is vital, disrespecting local culture must be avoided.”

Prime Minister Ishiba responded:

“Legal considerations require discussion with the Ministries of Economy, Trade and Industry, Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, and Foreign Affairs.

“Defacing a shrine is unacceptable—it disrespects the nation. When deploying Self-Defense Forces to Samawah, Iraq, we ensured they studied local customs. Respecting a country’s culture and religion is essential, and disregard for them cannot be tolerated.”

IGN Japan provided context for the exchange, noting Japan’s record-high tourism post-pandemic, driven by a weak yen. In the budget meeting, Kada linked his concerns about Shadows to “overtourism” and perceived increases in vandalism.

Kada argued that in-game actions like defacing temples or wielding katanas could inspire real-life vandalism by tourists, echoing debates about violent video games like Call of Duty.

Ishiba clarified his opposition was to hypothetical real-life acts, not the game itself.

The shrine in question, Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, is in Kada’s constituency. He noted Ubisoft did not seek permission to depict it.

Vice Minister Masaki Ogushi stated government agencies would assist if the shrine sought consultation, though Ubisoft’s use of the shrine is likely protected under Japan’s Constitution.

Both ministers’ responses were vague, suggesting no immediate action, especially as Ubisoft has addressed concerns with a day-one patch, showing sensitivity to Japanese sentiments.

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News of a day-one patch surfaced in Japan, though Ubisoft’s Western operations have not confirmed it. Automaton reports the patch will make shrine tables and shelves indestructible, reduce non-essential bloodshed in sacred areas, and remove blood effects when attacking unarmed NPCs. IGN has sought clarification from Ubisoft.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows faces high expectations globally after delays and Ubisoft’s recent challenges, including Star Wars Outlaws’ poor sales, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations.

IGN’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows review scored it 8/10, praising its refined open-world systems as “one of the best iterations of the series’ formula in a decade.”