Japanese government addresses Assassin’s Creed Shadows controversy as ban rumors spread

The Japanese Prime Minster has addressed concerns over Assassin’s Creed Shadows in a recent Diet Meeting, leading to concerns over the game’s ban. 

On March 19, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba answered questions about Assassin’s Creed Shadows. During the House of Councillors Budget Committee, Ishiba discussed the game’s depiction of vandalism, particularly those involving religious sites. 

Liberal Democratic Party member Hiroyuki Kada questioned Ishiba about a video where a player uses Yasuke to destroy an altar, damaging the interior of a real shrine, and slashing at priests. In a machine-translated response taken from ITmedia, Ishiba gave the following response: 

“I would like to discuss with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs what to do legally,” he then followed by saying: “It is absolutely unacceptable to graffiti a shrine. It is nothing but an insult to the country.”

The Japanese PM explained: “It is natural to have respect for the culture and religion of a country, and I think it is important to send out the message that we will not tolerate any behavior that does not respect the culture and religion of a country and will not tolerate it.”

Japanese PM on AC Shadows controversy

However, as highlighted by Kanada lecturer Jeffrey J. Hall, Ishiba’s comments don’t indicate that any real action will be taken by the Japanese government. Instead, he notes that Ishiba’s response can be easily misinterpreted and used to spread misinformation about a supposed ban.

“Beware of headlines or tweets claiming that the Prime Minister of Japan said he ‘cannot accept’ Assassin’s Creed Shadows or finds it to be ‘an insult to the nation,’ wrote the lecturer. “It’s very clear from his remarks that Ishiba was referring to real life acts of vandalism against shrines.”

As of writing, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is still scheduled to be released in Japan on March 20, 2025. While the game won’t be getting banned, the Japanese version will receive some changes when compared to its Western counterparts. 

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

In a Tweet posted by Ubisoft Japan on January 24, the devs outlined how depictions of dismemberment have been completely removed from the Japanese version.

This censorship was done despite Shadows receiving a CERO Z (18+ rating) from the Japanese video game rating board. Overseas versions of the game feature full dismemberment and gore, all of which can be toggled on or off. 

Additionally, the Japanese version makes changes to voice lines. It remains uncertain what these changes are and what impact they have on the game. Either way, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be released in Japan.