The portrayal of a Shinto shrine's destruction in the upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows has drawn the attention of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, igniting a debate about cultural sensitivity in video games. The incident involves protagonist Yasuke's actions within the game, prompting discussions among government officials about potential responses to what some consider a problematic segment.

Even before its March 20 release, Assassin's Creed Shadows has faced considerable scrutiny.  Beyond the debate surrounding the official title assigned to Yasuke, one of the game's two protagonists, criticism has ranged from perceived similarities to the popular anime and manga series One Piece to broader questions about the game's cultural authenticity.

The specific controversy surrounding the Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, stems from Yasuke's actions within the game.  House of Councillors member Hiroyuki Kada raised concerns with Prime Minister Ishiba about the potential for the game to incite real-world acts of vandalism against shrines in Japan. While Ishiba's response was conditional, emphasizing the hypothetical nature of such an act, he stressed the importance of respecting cultural and religious sites. He stated that such an act would be considered an insult to Japan, emphasizing the need to condemn acts that disregard the cultural and religious heritage of any nation.

This is not the first time Assassin's Creed Shadows has generated controversy.  Last May, the Wikipedia page for Yasuke was repeatedly edited as critics debated the historical accuracy of a black samurai, despite historical records documenting Yasuke's presence in the court of daimyo Nobunaga Oda.

Ubisoft Quebec, the game's development team, has consistently maintained that Assassin's Creed Shadows is a work of historical fiction.  They emphasize their commitment to creating a compelling narrative within an accurate representation of late-16th-century Japan. This commitment to historical accuracy has contributed to delays in the game's release, with the launch date pushed back from its original November 15, 2024, and February 14, 2025 targets.