Summary
PureArts has issued an apology following backlash sparked by the design of one of itsAssassin’s Creed Shadowscollectibles. Many noted that the monument used in the Qlectors figure resembled the one-legged torii that marks the entrance to the Sanno Shrine, a monument that was partially destroyed when an atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki but remains to this day to commemorate the lives of those lost during the bombing.
Torii are gates found throughout Japan that represent the borders between the sacred and everyday life, hence them commonly being found at the entrances to shrines. Although their designs differ from gate to gate, you will likely recognize them, whether that be from a movie, a game, or real life. The torii at the entrance to the Sanno Shrine is particularly special because only half of it remains, and it’s easy to see why some have assumed it’s where PureArts pulled its inspiration from for the now scrapped design.
The Qlectors figure features Shadows' protagonists Yasuke and Naoe, the former standing in front of a one-legged torii and the latter perched on top of it. Even though the Sanno Shrine’s torii is made of concrete and the one in the figure has been designed to look like it’s made of wood, aside from that the collectible and the one-legged torii look quite alike. It’s also the only one-legged torii in Japan.
PureArts Apologizes For Shadows Figure Some Labeled Insensitive
Using torii in games isn’t an issue, of course. Seemingly taking inspiration from the Sanno Shrine’s torii, in particular, however, is why the figure generated a negative response. The reason only one leg of the Nagasaki torii remains is because the gate stands less than a kilometer away from where an atomic bomb was dropped on the city during World War 2. The other half of the gate was destroyed and the shockwave from the blast was so powerful that the gate is now facing a slightly different direction than it did prior to 1945.
It’s possible that the figure is referencing a different torii, possibly even an entirely fictional one, that’s destroyed in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. In fact, since Shadows takes place more than 300 years before WW2, the figure almost certainly isn’t a direct reference to the Sanno Shrine’s gate. There’s no denying the torii used in the figure looks a lot like the torii that acts as a monument to those who lost their lives when the bomb was dropped, though.
Even though PlayArts has removed the figure from sale, it has not canceled pre-orders for those who have already bought it. If you have already pre-ordered the figure, PlayArts will reach out with more information soon. The statement implies a new figure will replace it, and once that figure is revealed, it seems likely those with pre-orders will have the opportunity to go with the new figure or request a refund.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
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Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.
