Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been warmly received by Japanese critics like Dengeki, Game Watch, and Gamer, despite initial concerns about its portrayal of Yasuke, a historical figure often depicted as a Black samurai.
This positive reception stands in stark contrast to the criticism primarily coming from Western commentators who expressed worries about historical accuracy and cultural representation.
Yasuke, who served under Japanese daimyo Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century, has long been featured in Japanese media as a respected historical figure.
His inclusion as one of the two playable protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues this tradition of recognition rather than causing the cultural offense some Western voices predicted.
“It’s ridiculous for anyone familiar with Japanese pop culture to think Yasuke’s portrayal would be offensive,” noted one Japanese player. “He’s been featured in several works as a samurai.” Indeed, Yasuke has appeared in manga, anime, and other games, typically portrayed with respect for his unique position in Japanese history.
The game has earned praise for its detailed recreation of feudal Japan and thoughtful inclusion of cultural elements like tea ceremonies. Developers worked to balance historical authenticity with the series’ established fictional narrative framework, which has always taken creative liberties with historical settings.
A minor controversy did emerge regarding players potentially destroying Shinto shrines in-game, which Ubisoft quickly addressed with a patch. This responsiveness demonstrated the development team’s commitment to cultural sensitivity while maintaining gameplay freedom.
Notable Japanese game developer Hideki Kamiya publicly dismissed Western criticisms as overblown, further highlighting the disconnect between perceived and actual cultural sensitivities.
This situation mirrors other instances where Western audiences have taken offense on behalf of cultures that weren’t actually bothered.
