Ubisoft’s portrayal of Yasuke as a “samurai” is being promoted as if it were historically factual, leading to edits on foreign-language Wikipedia pages and the spread of misinformation that Japan was actively involved in the slave trade. A book even emerged, creating a fictional legend of a “Black samurai,” further fueling these inaccuracies.
In the second image (an excerpt about “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows” from Ubisoft Quebec), the developers claim they conducted thorough research, consulted historians, and immersed themselves in Japanese culture. Yet their cinematic trailer shows glaring mistakes—such as incorrectly shaped tatami and samurai depicted sitting in seiza, which would be highly unusual—contradicting their supposed commitment to historical authenticity.
Some may dismiss these issues as harmless since it’s “just a game,” but in reality, these errors have already influenced public perception. Wikipedia entries have been altered and new publications are reinforcing false narratives, creating potential long-term misunderstandings about Japanese history. Consequently, more than 100,000 people have signed a petition demanding the game’s cancellation, fearing it will mislead future generations.