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Assassin's Creed Shadows Gets Censored in Japan

By JulianFeb 26,2025

Assassin's Creed Shadows Censorship in Japan

Assassin's Creed Shadows (AC Shadows) faces content alterations for its Japanese release, receiving a CERO Z rating. This necessitates the removal of dismemberment and decapitation, along with adjustments to wound depictions. Audio modifications are also planned, though specifics remain undisclosed. The international versions will offer players the option to toggle dismemberment and decapitation.

CERO Z Rating and Content Restrictions

Assassin's Creed Shadows Censorship in Japan

The CERO Z rating restricts sales to individuals 18 and older. CERO's guidelines, encompassing sex, violence, anti-social behavior, and language/ideology, are strictly enforced. Failure to comply results in a lack of rating and prevents Japanese distribution, as seen with The Callisto Protocol and the Dead Space Remake. While excessive violence is cited, the exact reasons for the Z rating aren't fully detailed. This isn't unprecedented for the Assassin's Creed franchise; many titles have received CERO Z ratings due to their violent content.

Yasuke's Description Altered

Assassin's Creed Shadows Censorship in Japan

The game's Japanese store listings have altered Yasuke's description. The term "samurai" has been replaced with "Ikki tousen" ("a warrior who can face a thousand enemies"). This follows 2024 backlash surrounding the "black samurai" descriptor, a sensitive topic in Japanese history. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, previously stated the company prioritizes entertainment for a broad audience and avoids pushing specific agendas. The use of historical figures in Assassin's Creed games is well-established.

Assassin's Creed Shadows launches March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Further details can be found on our Assassin's Creed Shadows game page.

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