1. Introduction

“Assassin’s Creed Shadows: DEI Principles or Distortion of Japanese Culture?”

Some of my foreign gamer friends recently asked me for my opinion on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, scheduled for release on February 14, 2025. My opinion on this work is extremely negative.
This is because the game seems to treat the principles of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) as a kind of “get-out-of-jail-free card” or “magic key,” while disregarding and distorting Japanese history and culture. I find it hard to believe that this game maintains the level of realism — the “reality line” — that fans of the series have come to expect.
“Should we really accept the attitude that ‘anything is permissible as long as it’s in the name of diversity’?”

2. About Assassin’s Creed

“What Makes Assassin’s Creed a Beloved Franchise?”

The Assassin’s Creed series is a stealth assassination game franchise developed by Ubisoft, a French company, starting in 2007. To date, 12 main titles have been released, and the 13th entry, Shadows, will finally feature Japan as its setting.

This series is known for allowing players to take on the role of nameless, local assassins within a realistic open-world environment, telling stories deeply rooted in historical settings and cultures. When it was announced that Japan would be the setting, I had high hopes. However, the moment I learned that the protagonist would be Yasuke, a black samurai, my expectations turned into disappointment.

“A black samurai running around feudal Japan as an assassin” — is this really a setting that aligns with the series’ established reality line?

3. The Existence of Yasuke

“Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Historical Fact or Misrepresentation?”

It is true that Yasuke was a historical figure. However, the only records of his existence come from three missionary reports written in 1581 and 1582, as well as three brief official documents. These records refer to him as a “gift,” and there is no evidence to suggest he ever served as a samurai or an assassin.

To portray such a person as a nameless assassin active in feudal Japan — a setting that prides itself on historical authenticity — lacks both historical basis and cultural credibility. Instead, it seems like a convenient imposition of modern values under the guise of “diversity.”

During Japan’s feudal era, while some trade existed, the presence of black individuals was limited to enslaved people brought by missionaries and merchants. DNA research further confirms that there is no evidence of black populations settling in Japan during that time. Ignoring such historical realities to introduce a “black samurai who shouldn’t exist” begs the question: Why? Is “diversity” such a sacred principle that it justifies rewriting history and distorting culture?

4. About Nioh

“Why Nioh’s White Protagonist Works and Yasuke Does Not?”

When this topic arises, I am often asked, “If Nioh by Koei Tecmo features a white protagonist, why not a black one?” My answer is simple: “Because the reality line is different.”

The reality line refers to the extent to which a work aims for realism. The higher the reality line, the more it demands adherence to historical facts. Conversely, a lower reality line allows for greater creative liberties and fictional elements.

In the case of Nioh, its abundant fantasy elements — such as yokai (supernatural creatures) and magic — make its setting inherently unrealistic. In contrast, the Assassin’s Creed series has always maintained a high reality line. For example, Assassin’s Creed Origins depicted treasure-filled pyramids — a bit of an exaggeration — but the overall setting still adhered to historical plausibility.

How does Shadows compare? Featuring a black samurai conducting assassinations in feudal Japan shatters the carefully built reality line that has defined the series.

5. It’s Not Just About Yasuke — Japanese Culture Is Overlooked

“Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Examples of Cultural Inconsistencies”

The developers claim that Japanese experts were hired to ensure accurate supervision. However, it’s difficult to take their words at face value. Consider the following examples:

• Reversed sleeves on clothing: This is the attire of the dead in Japanese culture.
• A stone Buddha statue with its left hand raised: Likely AI-generated using mirrored images, but this negates the Buddhist symbolism of salvation.
• Lack of historical consistency: Numerous inconsistencies undermine the game’s credibility.

Can this honestly be called a work “faithfully based on history”? Even fan art for the game exhibits such errors. How can Japanese gamers view this work positively when it so clearly lacks respect for their culture?

6. DEI Is a Noble Ideal, but…

“The Contradictions of DEI in Assassin’s Creed Shadows”

The principles of DEI — diversity, equity, and inclusion — are essential and invaluable in today’s world. I do not deny their importance.

However, Assassin’s Creed Shadows demonstrates how the pursuit of diversity can sometimes come at the expense of historical and cultural integrity. Reinterpreting history from a black-centric perspective and forcibly inserting modern values into feudal Japan — can this truly be called “diversity”? This game exemplifies the contradiction of people who advocate for diversity while simultaneously negating it.

Conclusion

“Diversity Should Not Distort History”

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a game that claims to champion diversity but ultimately lacks respect for the cultures and histories it seeks to portray. Can we truly call this “diversity”? Featuring a black samurai as a feudal assassin in Japan — a character who historically would not exist — completely disregards the reality line that has defined this series.

We should not allow diversity to become an excuse to distort history and culture. If true diversity is the goal, then the first step must be to show respect for the culture and history of the setting.

Good bye UBI soft!!