"Assassin's Creed Shadows Censored in Japan"

Assassin’s Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) has received a CERO Z rating from Japan’s Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO), leading to significant content changes for its Japanese version. This article delves into the implications of these changes for AC Shadows in Japan and globally.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Japanese Version Removes Dismemberment and Decapitation

Ubisoft Japan announced via Twitter (X) that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been awarded a CERO Z rating. This rating necessitates modifications to the game's content for its release in Japan, distinguishing it from the versions available in North America and Europe.

In the Japanese edition, scenes featuring dismemberment and decapitation will be entirely removed, along with alterations to the depiction of wounds and severed body parts. Additionally, there will be changes to the Japanese audio in the overseas version, though specific details on these changes remain undisclosed.

Conversely, the overseas editions of AC Shadows will include an option to toggle the visibility of dismemberment and decapitation in the game's settings menu, providing players with greater control over their gaming experience.

Assassin’s Creed Rated CERO Z in Japan, Suitable Only for Ages 18+

A CERO Z rating indicates that the game is suitable only for audiences aged 18 and above, prohibiting its sale or distribution to those younger. CERO assesses games based on four categories: sex-related content, violence, anti-social acts, and language and ideology expression.

Games that do not meet CERO’s content guidelines are not rated, requiring developers to make necessary adjustments. While excessive violence is highlighted as a factor contributing to the CERO Z rating for AC Shadows, other elements that might have influenced this decision are not specified.

This is not the first instance of the Assassin’s Creed series encountering such challenges in Japan. Previous titles like AC Valhalla and AC Origins also received CERO Z ratings due to their violent themes.

CERO’s stringent stance on gore and dismemberment has historically impacted game releases in Japan. Some developers have opted out of the Japanese market rather than comply with CERO’s requirements. Notable examples include The Callisto Protocol in 2022 and the Dead Space Remake in 2023, both of which were not released in Japan due to CERO’s rating decisions. EA Japan’s General Manager, Shaun Noguchi, expressed his frustration with these decisions, particularly when comparing them to other games like Stellar Blade, which received a rating despite similar violent content.

Changes in Yasuke's Description on Game Store Pages

The game also features changes in the description of Yasuke, one of the protagonists, on store pages. In the Japanese language listings on Steam and the PS Store, the term "samurai" (侍) used to describe Yasuke has been replaced with "騎当千" or "Ikki tousen," translating to "a warrior who can face a thousand enemies." This adjustment follows backlash received by Ubisoft in 2024 regarding Yasuke's portrayal as "the black samurai," a sensitive topic in Japanese history and culture.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has emphasized the company's focus on entertainment and broad audience appeal, rather than promoting any specific agenda. The inclusion of historical figures in Assassin’s Creed games is a longstanding practice, with characters like the Pope and Queen Victoria featured in past titles.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more information, visit our Assassin’s Creed Shadows page.