As soon as you load up Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the game makes it clear it’s not aiming for historical accuracy. Just like in other games in the series, a message pops up, letting players know that, although the game might feature events and characters that seem real, it’s all fictional. Despite this, Masumi, the voice actress portraying the lead assassin Naoe, often found herself reminiscing about Japan during her recording sessions.
Masumi shared her gratitude over the phone with Polygon on Tuesday, appreciating the intricate details she learned. One particular moment that resonated deeply with her, and has also been a topic of discussion among the Polygon team, is the early side quest known as “The Tea Ceremony.”
“In Japan, the tea ceremony is significant,” explained Masumi, who spent her early years in both Japan and the U.S. “If you ever participate in one, you’ll quickly learn there are numerous customs and a specific order to everything. Even the way you turn the teacup three times left or right has its own meaning. The game does a great job of teaching you these nuances.”
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has found itself in the spotlight regarding its historical authenticity. The announcement of the character Yasuke sparked a mix of responses: some were the all-too-familiar racially charged criticisms about introducing a Black protagonist, while others came from Japanese critics concerned about historical precision. Additionally, the Japanese government requested Ubisoft to tweak the game to prevent players from destroying shrines. Ubisoft responded with a day-one patch that ensured these shrines were indestructible.
While Ubisoft usually issues disclaimers to fend off criticism over historical details, Shadows does strive to incorporate authentic elements, like in the tea ceremony quest. The quest kicks off with players completing a couple of tasks: selecting a kosode that will impress the other guests and picking an exquisite gift for the host. The game designers put incredible effort into animating the kosodes, making the silk fabrics visually rich with detailed embroidery. There’s even a gameplay mechanic involving the turning of the teacup—get it wrong, and your tea ceremony companions may attack. Masumi was delighted by these fine details, not only for their cultural accuracy but also because they reminded her of her roots.
“There are also tales involving yokai, these spirits from folklore, and I was surprised they included those elements. It brought back so many childhood memories for me,” she reflected. “As someone with Japanese heritage, it makes me genuinely proud to see how well the game captures the essence of Japan.”
