Japanese Government Criticizes Ubisoft's Alteration of Yasuke's History in 'Assassin’s Creed Shadows'
Oh boy... Here we go again...
Ubisoft’s latest title, "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" has ignited quite the firestorm of controversy, with the Japanese government now expressing SERIOUS concerns over the game’s depiction of Yasuke- who - according to Ubisoft, was Japan’s first African samurai.
The game, set during the Sengoku period, has come under fire for blatant historical inaccuracies and now for introducing same-sex romance options for Yasuke, a move that has not gone down well with Japanese officials... to say the least. Those DEI checkboxes may have met their match.
Potential Diplomatic Fallout
Mark Kern, aka Grummz, Quote Tweeted Learning the Law who reported that a Japanese political aide warned the backlash against "Assassin’s Creed Shadows". Kern said this could escalate into a "diplomatic incident." The aide highlighted that the game distorts Japanese history, culture, and aesthetics, which has led to letters being sent to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
The primary concern is the game's false narratives potentially misleading Japanese children and misrepresenting Japan to the global audience. The aide noted that Thomas Lockley’s book about Yasuke, which inspired the game, contains more fictional elements than historical facts, exacerbating the issue. Thomas Lockley has now deleted all traces of his internet presence and has retreated into the shadows to hide after being caught lying as a Yasuke 'specialist' who was changing history and editing Wikipedia's to match an agenda.
Historical Misrepresentation
One of the central issues is Yasuke’s portrayal as a legendary samurai, which critics argue is not only inaccurate... but also extremely disrespectful to Japanese culture. The game’s depiction of common death and decapitation scenes has been particularly offensive.
Inquiries have been sent to several ministries, questioning the government’s stance on Ubisoft’s portrayal and its potential impact. The aide stressed the importance of accurate historical representation and the dangers of spreading misinformation worldwide. Japanese gamers have even started a Change.org petition to battle against Ubisoft onslaught.
Same-Sex Romance Controversy
Adding fuel to the fire, "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" reportedly now introduces same-sex romance options for Yasuke. Ubisoft's Associate Narrative Director, Brooke Davies, explained that players can explore "various romantic relationships, including same-sex options for both main characters, Yasuke and Naoe".
While inclusivity in games can often be at least... generally welcomed, applying it to a historical figure like Yasuke has sparked strong reactions, especially from Japan, criticizing it as unnecessary and completely historically inaccurate.
Government's Watchful Eye
The Japanese government has yet to take any specific definitive action, but is closely monitoring the situation and could change at any moment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated (thx ThatParkPlace) that while the game is currently viewed as a private entertainment product, the issue could escalate if misrepresentation persists. Ongoing reviews and discussions are determining the appropriate response.
Rocky Road Ahead...
Ubisoft’s "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" has somehow found a way to piss off everyone (well, except for those DEI folks), with its false portrayal of Yasuke drawing sharp criticism from Japanese officials and Japanese gamers alike. The historical inaccuracies and introduction of same-sex romance options for a real historical figure have made waves.
As the release date draws ever closer (November 15, 2024), the potential for diplomatic fallout remains ever-present. Ubisoft’s handling of Yasuke’s story highlights the challenge of balancing unnecessary DEI with a respectful and accurate representation of historical figures and cultures. Or, in this case, let's be real - A DEI-injected nightmare to push a narrative and ensure diversity and inclusivity.
...Even, when it isn't welcome.
~Smash Shoutout to John Trent and That Park Place for the incredible efforts bringing this to the forefront.
And so the War begins against UbiSoft. They should of realized that pulling such crap in a game like this was gonna blow up in their faces and it would also start a major firestorm backlash that will destroy UbiSoft once and for all. This company should of realized that it was a major mistake to make a game filled with lies & Untruths just to pander to the Rainbow activist Nutballs out there. Now UbiSoft will have to answer for their stupid blunders
Starting to feel sorry for the real Yasuke being abused so badly by Ubisoft.
Perhaps a haunting is in order.