Voice Actor Masumi Celebrates the ‘Japanese Essence’ in AC Shadows

When you dive into Assassin’s Creed Shadows, it’s crystal clear from the start: this isn’t a history lesson. Much like its predecessors, the game kicks off with a clear disclaimer reminding you that despite the lifelike portrayal of events and characters, it all springs from the realm of imagination. Yet, for Masumi, the voice behind the main character Naoe, recording her parts sparked a deep connection to Japan.

Speaking with Polygon over the phone, Masumi expressed her gratitude for the care taken to portray cultural nuances. “There are so many intricate mannerisms they teach you,” she shared. A particular highlight for both Masumi and the Polygon team has been the early quest titled “The Tea Ceremony.”

“Tea ceremonies hold great significance in Japan,” Masumi explained, drawing from her bicultural background from Japan and the U.S. “If you’ve ever been to one, you know the richness of its rules and customs. Everything, down to the three spins of the teacup, is steeped in tradition, and the game captures that essence remarkably.”

The historic authenticity of Assassin’s Creed Shadows hasn’t gone unnoticed—or unchallenged. The introduction of Yasuke as a character stirred discussions, with some players pushing back against a Black protagonist, while Japanese critics raised concerns about the portrayal’s fidelity to history. Even the Japanese government stepped in, influencing Ubisoft to modify a game feature that initially allowed shrine destruction. As a result, a day-one patch was rolled out, rendering shrines invulnerable.

While Ubisoft preempts criticism of historical precision with its standard disclaimers, Shadows commendably incorporates historical elements like the tea ceremony quest. It begins with selecting the perfect kosode to dazzle guests and picking a thoughtful gift for the host. The game’s depiction of the kosodes is impressively authentic, showcasing detailed silken textures and vibrant embroidery. As for executing the tea ceremony, players must correctly follow the ritualistic turning of the cup, or face consequences from less-than-pleased warriors sharing your tea. Masumi’s appreciation of these intricate details, reflecting both cultural authenticity and personal connections, resonates profoundly.

Furthermore, the inclusion of yokai, mystical creatures from Japanese folklore, surprised Masumi. “I hadn’t anticipated they’d delve into those stories. It’s nostalgic, reminiscent of tales from my youth,” she reflected. “As someone Japanese, it filled me with pride to see just how deeply the game immersed itself in Japanese culture.”