Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows is facing a fresh wave of controversy, this time from Japanese politicians and religious leaders who are condemning the game for its portrayal of a real-world Shinto shrine. In a newly surfaced video, Nagase Takeshi, a member of the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly, along with several Shinto officials expressed outrage, calling the depiction deeply disrespectful and culturally offensive.
This backlash comes just months before the game’s scheduled release and adds to the mounting criticism Shadows has faced since its announcement. From historical disputes to Ubisoft’s ongoing financial struggles, this latest controversy could spell further trouble for the company’s highly anticipated title.
Yasuke executes an innocent man pressed into a fight in Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
This report is based on a direct translation of the officials’ statements, which may differ from the English subtitles in the video. Subtitles are often paraphrased, condensed, or altered for localization, whereas a direct translation retains the full structure and nuance of the original speech.
Japanese Officials Condemn Shrine Depiction
In the video, Hyogo Prefectural Assembly member Nagase Takeshi, along with Shinto shrine officials, spoke out against Assassin’s Creed Shadows for using Harima no Kuni Soja Ichi Shrine in Himeji as a setting in the game. According to them, the game portrays the shrine in a highly disrespectful manner, showing the protagonist, Yasuke, entering the sacred site with shoes on, drawing his sword, and committing destructive acts.
“For us, these scenes are completely unthinkable,” Nagase stated. “Should this be allowed simply because it’s a game? Should it be excused as entertainment? No. If something makes us uncomfortable or is unacceptable, we must firmly express that.”
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
Katsutoshi Nishimoto, chief priest of the shrine, reinforced this view, calling the game’s depiction “truly regrettable” and emphasizing the impact it could have on worshippers.
“This shrine represents a fundamental part of Japanese culture,” Nishimoto explained. “To depict it in a way that disrespects it, or to broadcast images of it being desecrated, is truly regrettable. Many people visit our shrine daily to pray. If they were to see such depictions, it would deeply sadden them.”
The conversation also turned toward concerns over Western portrayals of Japan. Sawada Masayasu, head of the Hyogo Prefecture Shinto Political Federation, argued that Ubisoft’s handling of Shadows reflects a broader issue of cultural misunderstanding and disregard for Japanese traditions.
“There is a clear lack of respect for our religious traditions,” Sawada stated. “It feels as though, deep down, they still see us as inferior. Even if they do not intend to offend, this kind of carelessness shows a disregard for our heritage.”
Another Controversy for Assassin’s Creed Shadows
This latest backlash is just one of many controversies surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Since its announcement, the game has been at the center of debate over historical accuracy, cultural representation, and Ubisoft’s creative decisions. The inclusion of Yasuke, in particular, has drawn mixed reactions, with critics arguing that Ubisoft is prioritizing modern diversity trends over historical realism. Others have pointed out that the game’s depiction of feudal Japan leans more toward Hollywood-inspired fantasy than historical authenticity.
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
Beyond the historical debate, Ubisoft has also been criticized for its failure to provide substantial gameplay footage. Despite being one of the company’s biggest releases of the year, fans have yet to see a comprehensive breakdown of the game’s mechanics, fueling speculation about the quality of the final product.
Additionally, many players remain skeptical of Ubisoft’s continued reliance on live-service mechanics and microtransactions, which have plagued recent entries in the franchise.
Ubisoft’s Financial Troubles & High Stakes for Shadows
Adding to the pressure, Ubisoft is in the midst of major financial struggles. Over the past year, the company has faced multiple rounds of layoffs, studio closures, and internal restructuring.
With Assassin’s Creed Shadows positioned as one of Ubisoft’s most critical releases of 2025, the company is banking on it to be a commercial success. However, ongoing controversies, fan skepticism, and backlash from Japan could seriously impact its sales, especially in Asian markets, where Ubisoft has been attempting to expand its influence.
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
As of now, Ubisoft has not responded to the latest criticism from Japanese officials. With the game set to launch in November, the company is running out of time to address these concerns and turn public perception around.
Will Ubisoft Respond?
The question remains whether Ubisoft will attempt to smooth things over with Japanese audiences or continue ignoring the growing backlash.
The gaming giant has a history of sidestepping cultural criticisms, but this controversy is coming directly from government officials and religious leaders, making it harder to dismiss.
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
With mounting pressure, historical disputes, and concerns over Ubisoft’s financial stability, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is already on shaky ground. Whether it can overcome these challenges and deliver a successful launch remains to be seen.
How do you feel about Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ depiction of a Japanese shrine? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
You Be Soft has completely run out of time to do anything without delaying the game again. They haven’t once tried to address this or any other controversy in any constructive way, they’ve deflected and denied any wrongdoing at every step, now they’re going to find out. Even normies who aren’t aware or don’t care about the controversies are going to be turned off just by how buggy and unfinished the game will be at launch if the demo is any indication.
The French company is going to be that first domino that triggers the finale to the Second Video Games Industry Crash. Their failure is going to spook the herds of investors into dumping and running from other companies with similar business models.
Oh boy how much i wish you are right, we need that domino effect
You Be Soft’s situation is not even unique in the industry. In that most other triple-A studios are drowning in debt and close to if not completely insolvent because of years of poor creative and financial decisions and an overreliance on MTX mechanics. That’s why I’m certain investors will panic and flee.
Sure hope Ubisoft closes its doors after AC Shadows.
In Software development, rework is VERY expensive. This will consume finite resources to fix, including analysis meetings to decide what to change, how, and when.This will distract away from the other work they’re doing, and, of course, stress budgets. Not only that, but marketing budgets will increase, as they fight PR fires. Ubisoft is incompetent. If you don’t get it right first time, it’s really costly!
Another DEIsaster.
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