The little truth and a lot of fiction: the internet exploded with claims that Japan’s Prime Minister condemned Ubisoft’s upcoming game, but the reality is far more nuanced—and doesn’t involve any direct criticism of Assassin’s Creed Shadows at all.
The latest controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows has taken an unexpected political twist—at least, according to online rumors. Over the past day, social media platforms have been flooded with claims that Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba denounced Ubisoft’s upcoming title during a session of the National Diet. However, a closer look at the session’s official transcript reveals a completely different story: the Prime Minister wasn’t reacting to the game’s fictional narrative, but rather to real-world incidents of vandalism at cultural landmarks. While 3DJuegos hadn’t reported on this subject previously, the viral nature of the claims merits a deep dive into what actually occurred.
Wake up, Ubisoft “defender,” and hear our voice! What kind of Assassin’s Creed game destroys an actual religious site? Japanese culture is consumed but receives no respect. Here is a perfect example. pic.twitter.com/UsfWMgy53n
— Shohei Kondo (@shoheikondo) January 31, 2025
Viral Gameplay Clip Triggers Public Backlash
The entire firestorm traces back to a video uploaded to X (formerly Twitter) on January 31. The clip shows gameplay footage from Assassin’s Creed Shadows in which the character Yasuke violently attacks priests and desecrates a setting modeled after a real Japanese shrine: Itate Hyozu. With over 31,000 likes and more than 8,400 reposts, the footage spread rapidly. Fans noted that such actions are entirely controlled by the player, but the imagery still raised eyebrows in Japan, where it didn’t take long for local news to pick up the story.
The respected outlet Sankei News soon published an article featuring statements from the caretakers of the Itate Hyozu shrine. They expressed frustration toward Ubisoft and vowed to pursue what they called “appropriate measures.” Their primary grievance was that the developers had not contacted them for permission to use the location in the game. As one shrine representative put it: “Had they asked, we would have declined.”
The online backlash escalated dramatically in late February. Thousands weighed in with opinions and speculation. Although no concrete details have emerged about what “appropriate measures” might entail, the issue gained enough momentum to catch the attention of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party—and from there, it entered official government discussion.
From Internet Uproar to Parliamentary Inquiry
During a recent session of the National Diet, politician Hiroyuki Kada brought up the viral gameplay footage, citing concerns over how the game portrayed violence within a sacred space. A video recording and transcript of the meeting—provided by ITmedia—show Kada highlighting Ubisoft’s failure to consult shrine officials and voicing alarm over the potential for players to imitate such behavior in real life.
“In the game, the shrine appears under its actual name. Inside, a samurai protagonist is shown smashing drums, breaking sacred mirrors, wrecking altars, and attacking people who appear to be Shinto priests,” Kada stated. “When I asked Mr. Miyaji about it, he confirmed that Ubisoft had made no effort to obtain permission from the shrine.” Kada proceeded to question Masaki Ogushi, Japan’s Vice Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, who responded: “Any use of intellectual property for commercial gain requires the proper consent from the rights holder.”
While the government hasn’t yet taken action, officials noted they would consider involvement if formally requested by the shrine. Kada concluded his remarks with a warning: the game might encourage a surge in tourism to Japan, potentially leading to real-world damage to historical sites. “We are concerned that the types of destruction depicted in the game—especially involving locations recreated without approval—could inspire copycat behavior. While creative freedom is essential, so is protecting local cultural heritage.” He ended by seeking the Prime Minister’s position on the matter.
What the Prime Minister Actually Said
Here’s where things took a turn. Contrary to what many online voices have claimed, Prime Minister Ishiba never mentioned Assassin’s Creed Shadows by name, nor did he condemn the game. Instead, he provided a general response: “How we address this from a legal standpoint must be considered in consultation with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
He continued: “Vandalizing a shrine is beyond unacceptable; it is an affront to our national identity. When we deployed the Self-Defense Forces to Samawah, Iraq, we made sure they studied local Islamic traditions. Respecting cultural and religious values is non-negotiable, and we must be clear that such violations are intolerable.” Nowhere in his comments was Ubisoft—or any video game—explicitly referenced.
An editorial from IGN Japan helped clarify the confusion. Their coverage emphasized that the Prime Minister was speaking strictly about real-life issues—acts of cultural disrespect, not the fictional representation in a video game. With Japan experiencing a boom in Western tourism, concerns have grown about tourists mimicking violent or disrespectful behaviors seen in entertainment media. Similar fears have previously surfaced around series like Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty. Kada’s remarks reflect this same line of thought: that players might travel to Japan and act out what they’ve done in-game. The Prime Minister’s response, vague as it may seem, was clearly directed at protecting cultural integrity—not attacking Ubisoft. Nonetheless, the controversy continues to gain momentum on social media.
Source: 3djuegos
