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What happened at Itate Hyozu Shrine in the game?
In early February 2025, gameplay footage circulated showing a player entering an in-game location based on Itate Hyozu Shrine and destroying parts of its interior, including an altar and sacred objects. Automaton reported that this was optional player behavior, not a required objective for progressing through the game, and that footage of shrine destruction had not been used to promote it. Automaton’s February 20 report also covered the shrine representatives’ response.
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The distinction matters: the controversy concerned what a player could do at the location, not an action the game required every player to perform.
What did the shrine mean by “appropriate action”?
According to Automaton, which reported statements published by Japan’s Sankei News, shrine representatives said they were “taking appropriate action” concerning the depiction. Asked whether Ubisoft had contacted the shrine before using it as inspiration, a representative replied, “No, if they had contacted us, we would have refused.”
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- Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles.
- Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
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The representative did not explain what action the shrine planned. The reporting therefore supports the existence of the statement, but not a specific legal or regulatory outcome. It does not establish that a lawsuit was filed, that Ubisoft was ordered to remove the location, or that Japanese authorities imposed a penalty.
The phrase “Japanese officials” can also give the impression of a coordinated government response. The February report described representatives of one shrine. A later parliamentary criticism came from a separate actor, lawmaker Hiroyuki Kada; it was not evidence that the shrine’s statement represented a state action.
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- Experience an epic, historical action adventure in feudal Japan and become a deadly Shinobi assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open game world in chaotic times
- Sneak as a Naoe to not be discovered, use your agility to confuse your opponents and stretch down your opponents with deadly precision and power as a Yasuke
- Use information as weapons and build your own spy network to have eyes and ears everywhere and find your targets easier and recruit new allies on the go with unique skills to help you with your missions
- Create a fully customizable hideaway for your growing Shinobi league, where you train recruits, craft new equipment and interact with important characters; set the room layout, decoration and accessories yourself
Was the Association of Shinto Shrines involved?
No. Automaton’s report debunked claims that the Association of Shinto Shrines was also taking action against Ubisoft. The confirmed statement came from representatives of Itate Hyozu Shrine; it should not be attributed to the national association.
What criticism came from Japanese politicians?
In a separate development, lawmaker Hiroyuki Kada criticized the depiction in parliament. In reporting by AFP carried by Channels Television on March 19, 2025, Kada said, “I’m concerned that attacks and acts of destruction in the game may lead to imitation nuisance behaviour in the real world.” The same report quoted Yuichi Goza, assistant professor at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies, saying the reaction “should have been foreseen” and that ill-considered insults about religion can provoke strong reactions. These are attributed concerns and commentary, not proof that the game caused real-world imitation or harm. Channels Television’s AFP report covers the parliamentary criticism.
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GameSpot also reported that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called shrine defacement unacceptable. That political statement is distinct from the shrine’s unspecified “appropriate action”; the report does not establish it as a sanction against Ubisoft.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What changed in the game at launch?
GameSpot reported that a launch-day update on March 20, 2025, made tables and racks in temples and shrines indestructible and changed monk reactions so they no longer bled when attacked. Bowls and drums could still be broken, and tables could still be moved. Those details describe the update as reported at launch; they do not establish what every later version of the game allows. GameSpot’s report on the update describes the changes.
How did Ubisoft explain its approach?
In a July 23, 2024 message to the Japanese community, Ubisoft described Assassin’s Creed Shadows as historical fiction, not a factual account of history or historical figures. The company said its team worked with external consultants, historians, researchers, and Ubisoft Japan, and apologized for concern caused by some promotional materials. This is Ubisoft’s account of its creative process, not independent verification of the game’s historical accuracy. Ubisoft’s July 2024 message says: “Our intention has never been to present any of our Assassin’s Creed games, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows, as factual representations of history, or historical characters.”
Quick Recap
What is established—and what is not?
- Established: Footage showed optional player destruction at an in-game location based on Itate Hyozu Shrine.
- Established: Shrine representatives said they were taking “appropriate action” and said the shrine had not been contacted beforehand.
- Not established: The specific action the shrine intended, a lawsuit, a removal demand, or a government sanction.
- Separate responses: A lawmaker criticized the portrayal in parliament, and Ubisoft made reported gameplay changes in a launch-day update.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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