Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Criticizes That Game: “Disrespect to Japanese Culture”

Ubisoft's popular game series Assassin’s Creed's new title Assassin’s Creed Shadows has sparked controversy in Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reacted to the game's unauthorized use of historical and religious sites, stating that the matter could be taken to a legal level. Ishiba criticized the depiction of sacred sites, such as the Itatehyouzu Shrine, as being vulnerable to attack in the game, noting that this is perceived as “disrespect to Japanese culture.”

STERN REACTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT: “CULTURAL HERITAGE CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION”

The Japanese government emphasizes that permission must be obtained for the use of historical and cultural sites for commercial purposes. The Deputy Minister of Economy stated that Ubisoft did not make any official request regarding this matter. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed that it is unacceptable for shrines and other sacred sites to be vulnerable to attack within the game, announcing that the relevant ministries will evaluate the issue from a legal perspective.

REACTION FROM PLAYERS AND POLITICIANS

Assassin’s Creed Shadows was also criticized by Japanese players during its promotional process. Historical and cultural errors were identified in previously released videos, and Ubisoft apologized following these criticisms. However, with the release of the game, similar criticisms have come to the fore once again.

While some politicians in Japan emphasize that freedom of expression must be protected, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his concerns by saying, “Destroying a shrine in real life is unacceptable.”

UPDATE FROM UBISOFT: DESTRUCTION AND BLOOD EFFECTS REDUCED IN SHRINES

With the game's day-one update, Ubisoft significantly reduced the amount of destruction and bloodshed that can occur in shrines. After the update, tables and shelves in the shrines can no longer be broken. Additionally, blood effects inside the shrines have been reduced, and no blood is shown at all when attacking an unarmed NPC. It is believed that these changes were made following the reaction of players who saw that such actions were possible in the review version of the game.

Ubisoft stated that the update is not specific to Japan and applies to players in all regions.

UBISOFT’S STATEMENT: “A FICTIONAL WORK”

Ubisoft management emphasized that the game is not based entirely on historical accuracy, but rather is a fictional work inspired by real events. However, this statement did not fully appease the reactions of Japanese officials and players.

News Source: 12punto