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

If there’s one thing Assassin’s Creed Shadows makes clear right from the start, it’s that it shouldn’t be mistaken for a pure history lesson. Much like its predecessors in the series, as soon as you dive into the game, a message pops up reminding players that while the characters and events might bear a striking resemblance to the real world, they’re firmly planted in the realm of fiction. However, that didn’t stop voice actor Masumi, who brings the protagonist assassin Naoe to life, from reflecting deeply on her Japanese heritage during her time recording for the game.

During a chat with Polygon over the phone on Tuesday, Masumi shared, “I’m really thankful that […] they teach so many intricate mannerisms.” A standout moment for Masumi, which also sparked plenty of discussion among the Polygon team, is the early side quest known as “The Tea Ceremony.”

“Tea ceremony plays a monumental role in Japan,” Masumi explained, drawing from her experiences growing up both in Japan and the U.S. “When you watch or participate in these ceremonies, there are endless rules and an underlying order to everything. From the way you rotate the teacup three times one way or another, every action is steeped in tradition, and the game does a wonderful job of introducing that.”

Assassin’s Creed Shadows hasn’t shied away from the spotlight, especially when it comes to its approach to historical authenticity. The announcement of the character Yasuke invited a storm of reactions from different angles. On one hand, there was the familiar, disappointing backlash against inclusion, targeting Yasuke’s representation as a Black protagonist. On the other, some Japanese commentators raised concerns over the game’s historic fidelity. And then there was the Japanese government’s involvement, leading to a quick Ubisoft patch that altered the gameplay to make shrines indestructible, following initial plans that allowed players to destroy them.

While Ubisoft is quick to remind everyone that Assassin’s Creed games prioritize entertainment over strict historical adherence, Shadows does weave in historical threads with finesse, evident in the tea ceremony questline. The quest kicks off with two preliminary tasks: selecting a kosode that will earn admiration from fellow guests and picking a memorable gift for the host. The in-game fabrics of these kosodes appear so authentically silk-like that the embroidery – with its delicate flowers and lines – comes alive with depth. Just as Masumi noted, the ritual of turning the teacup becomes a gameplay feature. Misstep in this traditional dance, and your tea companions might become less than friendly. Hearing Masumi’s enthusiasm for these intricate details was delightful, not just for their nods to history, but for how they resonated with her personal connections to her roots.

“There are also elements involving yokai, which are essentially spirits from folklore. I was surprised by their inclusion, and it brought back a flood of childhood memories,” she fondly recounted. “As a Japanese, I found it heartening to see how the game integrated so much of Japan’s essence, making it a source of pride for me.”