During a recent government conference, Shigeru Ishiba, the Prime Minister of Japan, addressed concerns about Ubisoft's upcoming game, Assassin's Creed Shadows. The discussion was sparked by a question from Hiroyuki Kada, a Japanese politician and member of the House of Councillors, who expressed worries over the game's depiction of real-world locations and its potential impact on tourism and vandalism in Japan.

Kada voiced his concerns about the game allowing players to attack and destroy real-world locations, such as shrines, without permission. He suggested that this could encourage similar behavior in real life, particularly among tourists. He emphasized the importance of respecting local cultures and avoiding actions that demean them.

In response, Prime Minister Ishiba highlighted the need for legal discussions with various ministries, including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He firmly stated that defacing a shrine is unacceptable and an insult to the nation. Ishiba drew a parallel to the respect shown by Japanese Self-Defense Forces in Iraq, underscoring the importance of respecting other cultures and religions.

The context of this discussion is crucial. Japan has experienced a surge in overseas visitors following the reopening of its borders and the weak yen, leading to concerns about "over tourism" and increased vandalism. Kada linked his concerns about Assassin's Creed Shadows to these broader issues, suggesting that the game could exacerbate these problems.

Ubisoft has faced criticism and issued multiple apologies for various aspects of Assassin's Creed Shadows, including inaccuracies in its depiction of Feudal Japan and the unauthorized use of a flag from a Japanese historical re-enactment group in promotional materials. Additionally, a collectible figure maker, PureArts, removed a statue from sale due to its use of a one-legged Torii gate, which some found offensive.

In response to these concerns, Ubisoft announced a day-one patch for Assassin's Creed Shadows, which will make certain in-game elements indestructible and reduce depictions of violence in shrines and temples. This patch aims to address the sensitivities of the Japanese community and shows Ubisoft's proactive approach to these issues.

Despite these efforts, the success of Assassin's Creed Shadows is crucial for Ubisoft, especially after recent challenges including delays, the sales failure of Star Wars Outlaws, and other high-profile setbacks. IGN's review of the game awarded it an 8/10, praising its refined open-world experience.