From the moment Assassin’s Creed Shadows starts, it sets the record straight: this isn’t a history lesson. Like its predecessors in the franchise, the game begins with a disclaimer reminding players that while certain events and characters might seem familiar, they’re all part of the imagination. But for Masumi, the voice behind the game’s lead assassin, Naoe, recording her lines was an unexpected journey back to her Japanese roots.
Masumi shared her thoughts in a conversation with Polygon on a Tuesday phone call. “I’m truly thankful for the attention to detail they teach you,” she remarked. A standout experience for her—and one that’s also been a hot topic among the Polygon staff—is an early side quest titled “The Tea Ceremony.”
“Tea ceremonies are a significant part of Japanese culture,” noted Masumi, who has split her life between Japan and the U.S. “Attending one involves numerous rules and a strict order. Everything has a reason, including the specific way you rotate a teacup three times in either direction. The game captures that perfectly.”
Assassin’s Creed Shadows hasn’t dodged controversy, especially concerning its portrayal of history. The introduction of the character Yasuke stirred up various reactions. There was backlash from certain players uncomfortable with a Black protagonist, along with criticisms from Japanese commentators questioning the historical narratives. Even the Japanese government weighed in, requesting Ubisoft make changes to the game, specifically about shrine destruction, which resulted in a day-one patch to make those shrines invulnerable.
Despite Ubisoft’s broad disclaimers, Shadows doesn’t shy away from integrating historical nuances, as seen in the tea ceremony side quest. Players start by completing tasks such as selecting a kosode to impress attendees and picking an apt gift for the host. The game’s depiction of silk kosodes is so authentic that the depth and detail of embroidered patterns feel lifelike. There’s even a gameplay element tied to the ceremony; misstep during the cup rotation, and your fellow warriors might not be too pleased. Masumi’s appreciation for these intricate details wasn’t just rooted in their authenticity, but because they evoked a sense of home for her.
“There are also tales about yokai, which are spirits from folklore, and I was surprised to see those elements featured,” she continued. “It brought back childhood memories filled with those stories. As someone with Japanese heritage, I felt immense pride seeing how much of Japan’s essence was captured in the game.”
