Shigeru Ishiba, Japan's Prime Minister, addressed concerns regarding Assassin's Creed Shadows during a government conference. While some reports exaggerated the Prime Minister's response as a direct attack on Ubisoft, the reality is more nuanced. IGN Japan provided accurate translations and context. Ubisoft has previously apologized for aspects of the game and its marketing that caused offense in Japan. These apologies stemmed from inaccuracies in the depiction of feudal Japan, the unauthorized use of a Japanese historical re-enactment group's flag in promotional materials, and the inclusion of a one-legged Torii gate in a collectible figure (a gate with significant meaning near the Nagasaki atomic bomb hypocenter).

The question about Assassin's Creed Shadows originated from Hiroyuki Kada, a Japanese politician. Kada voiced concerns that the game's depiction of attacking and destroying real-world locations could inspire similar real-life actions, citing worries from shrine officials and residents. He linked this to concerns about "over-tourism" and vandalism.

Prime Minister Ishiba responded that addressing this legally required inter-ministerial discussion. He emphasized that defacing shrines is unacceptable and disrespectful to the nation, highlighting the importance of cultural and religious sensitivity, referencing the Self-Defense Forces' cultural sensitivity training before deployment to Iraq. His focus was on potential real-life copycat behavior, not the game itself.

The shrine depicted in gameplay videos is Itatehyozu Shrine in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture (within Kada's constituency). Kada stated that shrine representatives confirmed Ubisoft didn't seek permission to use the shrine's image and name. While the Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry mentioned government collaboration if the shrine sought consultation, this remains conditional. Legally, Ubisoft's use of the shrine in a work of art is likely protected under the Japanese Constitution.

Both ministerial responses were vague and unlikely to lead to concrete action. Ubisoft's proactive approach, with a day-one patch reportedly making shrine objects indestructible and reducing depictions of bloodshed, suggests sensitivity to Japanese concerns. This patch, reported by Automaton, hasn't yet been officially confirmed by Ubisoft's western operations. It reportedly makes in-game shrine structures indestructible, reduces bloodshed in shrines and temples, and removes blood depictions when attacking unarmed NPCs. IGN has reached out to Ubisoft for confirmation and clarification on regional specifics.

Despite the controversy, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces significant pressure to perform well globally for Ubisoft, following delays and the underperformance of Star Wars Outlaws and other recent setbacks including layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations. IGN's review scored the game an 8/10, praising its refined open-world gameplay.