Ubisoft's latest instalment, "Assassin's Creed Shadows," has ignited controversy in Japan due to its depiction of shrine desecration, prompting official responses from both religious authorities and the Japanese government. A promotional video showcases the game's protagonist, Yasuke, a black samurai, vandalizing the Itatehyouzu Shrine — a sacred Shinto site situated in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. This portrayal has been condemned as culturally insensitive and historically inaccurate, leading to a petition to cancel the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows exceeding 100,000 signatures.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed the issue during a government meeting, labelling the in-game actions as "an insult to the nation." He emphasized the importance of respecting cultural and religious sites, expressing concern that such depictions could encourage real-world vandalism. In response, Ubisoft announced a day-one patch to modify gameplay mechanics, rendering sacred objects within temples and shrines indestructible while maintaining the destructibility of generic items. This update aims to balance immersive gameplay with cultural sensitivity. The controversy has sparked broader discussions about the representation of cultural heritage in video games and the responsibilities of developers in portraying historical and religious sites.


The address of the Assassin's Creed Shadows issue at the National Diet of Japan can be watched here.