Criticism Over Torii Gate in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Collectible Figure

The release of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Yasuke & Naoe collectible figure has been halted following widespread criticism over its depiction of a one-legged torii gate, a culturally significant structure tied to the history of Nagasaki, Japan.

On October 15, 2024, Purearts, the company behind the figure, issued an apology via a statement on X (formerly Twitter). The backlash centered around the use of the broken torii gate in the design, which closely resembles the famous one-legged torii at Nagasaki’s Sanno Shrine—a structure damaged in the atomic blast of August 9, 1945. The inclusion of this imagery without historical context struck many as inappropriate.

Purearts Apologizes for Insensitive Design

“We recently released a design that was insensitive,” Purearts acknowledged in their statement. “We appreciate the concerns brought to our attention and apologize for the harm this caused. After reviewing the feedback, we are actively reworking the Qlectors Assassin’s Creed Shadows Yasuke & Naoe figure. Please stay tuned for updates.”

Purearts’ statement came in response to growing outrage on social media. One critic shared, “This design feels disrespectful to the memory of those affected by the atomic bomb. The one-legged torii symbolizes resilience, not something to be commercialized.”

On the other hand, some fans supported the idea of redesigning the figure. “I’m glad they listened to the feedback. Assassin’s Creed has always been about respecting history, and this revision shows they’re staying true to that,” one user commented.

Historical Significance of the One-Legged Torii

The one-legged torii at Sanno Shrine in Nagasaki is one of the few structures that survived the atomic bomb explosion in 1945. It stands today as a symbol of both destruction and resilience, with a deeper meaning to the people of Japan. This historical context fueled the outrage, as many felt the torii’s use in the figure was insensitive and exploitative.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Backlash

The controversy sparked intense reactions across social media platforms, particularly in Japan. Many users expressed their disappointment, with one tweet reading, “You can’t use a symbol tied to such a tragic event without providing proper context.” Another tweet added, “I’ve always loved Assassin’s Creed, but this feels like a huge misstep.”

The broader gaming community also weighed in, with some expressing their hope that this incident would lead to more careful considerations in future designs. The hashtag #RespectHistory trended briefly as the issue gained traction.

Previous Criticism of Assassin’s Creed Shadows

This isn’t the first time that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has faced controversy. In July 2024, Ubisoft addressed complaints from the Japanese fanbase regarding historical inaccuracies within the game itself. Critics pointed out issues related to incorrect architectural styles, clan symbols, and seasonal representations.

Additionally, there have been ongoing discussions about the portrayal of Yasuke, one of the game’s main characters. Some fans believe that Ubisoft exaggerated his role in the Sengoku period and his relationship with Oda Nobunaga.

What’s Next for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

In light of the controversy, Purearts has confirmed that pre-orders for the Yasuke & Naoe figure have not been canceled. Customers can expect further details to be communicated soon via email.

Looking ahead, the incident may influence the future design and marketing strategy for Assassin’s Creed merchandise, pushing companies to approach cultural symbols with more sensitivity. As one fan commented, “Hopefully, this serves as a wake-up call for the entire gaming industry.”

Meanwhile, Ubisoft has announced that the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been delayed until February 14, 2025, as developers continue to refine the game. Whether the controversy will impact the game’s sales or the franchise’s reputation remains to be seen.

@IGN