Based on the Azuchi-Momoyama period, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in feudal Japan, featuring the cruel civil war during that time. From historically accurate structures, including castles and monuments, and of course, the story, the Assassin’s Creed series has always been known to provide an experience that resonates with the audience. Well, talking about relevance, while playing the game as Yasuke (one of the game’s protagonists), we came across the non-binary character Ibuki, which at first glance, didn’t strike our chords right. The character has been presented as non-binary and also has romance options with Yasuke. This has sparked a debate among players as to whether the portrayal of the same is indeed the right direction. So, let’s explore what this is all about, and at the end, we will share our opinion regarding this as well.
Once you progress enough in the game, specifically to Act 3, you will notice a side quest named Ambush Interrupted in Kashiwara Village. This is the first time you’ll meet Ibuki. From the very beginning, you’ll notice that Ibuki is not entirely disgusted by Yasuke, despite knowing that he was one of the many samurai responsible for turning Iga into ashes. Also, when Yasuke mentioned that he could fight even without a daimyo’s power, it didn’t take long for Ibuki to believe him and give him a chance to prove himself. Ibuki also hinted that they’ve heard rumors about Yasuke’s proficiency. After this cutscene, you are required to catch the thieves. Once you have done so, another cutscene commences, which reveals that Ibuki might be helping thieves. Ibuki even asks Yasuke about his opinion on this, which shows that they want to connect with him. Next up, Ibuki compliments Yasuke on being a justice seeker and confirms the same for themselves. Then, they introduced their name to Yasuke and even shared information about their past on how they were exiled by Nakatomi. After this, Ibuki suggests if Yasuke ever wants to help them, they will be available near Hijiyama. During this entire conversation, the connection between Yasuke and Ibuki seemed professional, but this was only the start.
Also read: Best Assassin’s Creed Shadows Steam Deck Settings for High FPS & Performance
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Exploring the Non-Binary Character Ibuki and Yasuke’s Romance
Sharing personal information
As you continue progressing the side quests related to Ibuki, you’ll notice the subtle romantic advances from the character. After the scene where Kyobei and Ibuki talk, another scene commences where Ibuki is sharing information about their time with Kyobei during their childhood with Yasuke. Here, an important detail was mentioned: Blue Anemone is Ibuki’s favorite. Listening to the metaphorical talks of Ibuki, Yasuke seemed impressed and complimented Ibuki’s soul to that of a poet. As the conversation continues, Ibuki reveals that they see existing as ephemeral as a flower, bound by no rules. This goes to show that the character doesn’t really want to follow exactly what history or society deems right, but rather to follow their heart. At the very end of this scene, both characters look into each other’s eyes, maybe trying to find comfort and that deep connection.
Joining Kakushiba Ikki
Ibuki eventually joins the Kakushiba Ikki when requested by Yasuke, and becomes one of the six allies in the game. From here on, we could call Ibuki to help us during fights. Anyway, after finishing a few more quests, when we talked to Ibuki again, they mentioned that Yasuke could do with a bit more color to suit the place better. They also commented that Yasuke has a sparkling wit, further adding to the obvious interest that seems to be growing steadily.
A gift
Further progressing the story leads to Yasuke bringing Ibuki’s favorite Blue Anemone as a gift. On receiving this gift, Ibuki said that from then on, Yasuke would always wonder about Ibuki’s presence whenever they came across a cluster of Blue Anemones. But this didn’t stop there. Things took a steamy turn as both characters even engaged in petting and kissing. Although the romantic advances are subtle, the historical inaccuracy that followed to make this inclusive is highly criticized. Many even termed the game as “woke” since it introduced modern-day fantasy in feudal Japan.
Player reactions
Well, of course, the community isn’t considerate regarding the given romance options between Ibuki and Yasuke. Most players/users expressed strong disapproval of the Yasuke-Ibuki romance, stating it to be anachronistic. One user sarcastically remarks, “Do you mean to tell me this totally realized historical non fiction character DIDNT have a gay relationship with a 16th-century nonbinary Japanese man who used pronouns?!” The user further mocks the absurdity, stating that it aligns with modern “woke” tropes rather than historical authenticity.
Another user questions the cultural feasibility, asking, “What would happen to someone in that time period that said they were non binary? Definitely would be marked as insane but would something like burning the witch or electric shock therapy type of thing happen to them?” This clearly aligns with the fact that nonbinary identities were not only absent in 16th-century Japan but would have been met with severe societal rejection, further fueling the point that this romance feels forced or unrealistic.
So, basically, this is a drastic attempt to include modern-day thinking into the feudal Japan era, which directly disrespects the cultural integrity of the nation and its people.
Our opinion
Diversity and inclusivity of various cultures, thoughts, and opinions are what we expect to be a norm now. But this doesn’t give anyone the right to bend the fabric of reality and introduce conflicts just to please a certain ideology. We think that the inclusion of gender diversity in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which in this context, is the introduction of a non-binary character in a time when such a concept didn’t even exist, is a blunder from Ubisoft. What’s your opinion on this? Care to share? Follow us on X.
Well, this was our exploration of the non-binary character Ibuki and Yasuke’s romance in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. If you think this read was worth your time, make sure to visit DigiStatement for more such interesting reads.
