At the recent BAFTA Games Awards, Assassins Creed Shadows star Masumi shared heartfelt insights about portraying ninja protagonist Naoe in Ubisoft’s feudal Japan epic. The actress, who shares the spotlight with Tongayi Chirisa’s samurai Yasuke, revealed her unexpected path to becoming part of gaming history and the profound impact her character has had on players worldwide.
Discovering the Weight of the Hidden Blade
Masumi’s casting came with a steep learning curve about the franchise’s legacy. “I didn’t know before, I didn’t play video games,” she confessed with a laugh about her initial reaction to the role. “I was like ‘Oh, I’m a video game character. Great.’ I always wanted to do this.”
Her research revealed the cultural phenomenon she’d joined: “Finding out what Assassins Creed is” became one of her most surreal experiences. Now fully immersed, she describes the role as “bigger than myself,” particularly honoring the chance to represent Japanese history through Naoe’s story.
Representation That Cuts Deeper Than Steel
While Naoe continues AC’s tradition of female assassins, Masumi discovered her performance resonated most powerfully with mixed-heritage fans. “I’m actually getting more messages from people that are half Japanese or a quarter Japanese saying that they feel very seen,” she revealed. “That touches me so much, it’s very sweet.”
This emotional connection underscores Shadows‘ significance as the first AC title fully set in Japan, offering nuanced representation beyond stereotypical ninja tropes. Naoe’s personal journey through 16th century Japan provides a mirror for diaspora players to explore their cultural identity.
The Honor of Breathing Life Into History
Preparing for the role required Masumi to bridge ancient traditions with modern gaming. “There’s so much to learn,” she reflected about the research process, from studying historical ninja techniques to understanding AC’s signature parkour mechanics.
Her performance captures Naoe’s duality – the graceful lethality of a kunoichi tempered by very human vulnerabilities. This complexity has made the character an instant fan favorite, with many hoping to see more of Naoe in future installments.
Also, Read
- Assassins Creed Shadows Update 1.0.2 – Fans Praise Horse Speed Boost & Quality-of-Life Fixes
- Assassins Creed Shadows Gets Major Free Update – Here’s What’s New
- Assassins Creed Shadows: The Best AC Game in Years? Fans Think So!
A Legacy Forged in Shadows
Masumi’s journey from gaming newcomer to AC icon mirrors Naoe’s own growth from apprentice to master assassin. As players continue exploring feudal Japan through Naoe’s eyes, the character’s impact extends far beyond entertainment – she’s become a symbol of cultural pride and personal empowerment.
What do you think of Naoe as AC’s newest assassin? Share your thoughts on her representation and gameplay style below!