Gab Hernandez 
With the reveal of Ghost of Yotei for the PlayStation 5, fans of the original game and Japanese history are curious about what its story will cover.
Upon its release, Ghost of Tsushima was a massive hit among fans, particularly those who loved the romanticized depiction of samurai. Ghost of Tsushima never claimed to be historically accurate and wears its Akira Kurosawa influences on its sleeve. However, that doesn’t mean nothing is historically accurate.
For example, the Japanese dub took great strides to capture the era’s unique language. The setting is also historically authentic, with the locals of Tsushima praising the game for its loving depiction of the island. Sucker Punch takes inspiration from real history to shape its stories. Ghost of Yotei is no different.
When does Ghost of Yotei take place?
Ghost of Yotei takes place in Northern Japan in 1603 AD.
The developers confirmed the historical setting for Ghost of Yotei in marketing materials. The story takes place in the lands near Mount Yotei, the nexus of historical Ezo, which is now known as Hokkaido. Notably, the ruling bodies of Japan had no power in that region. Instead, historians widely consider 1603 the very beginning of the Edo Period.
At this point, the Tokugawa shogunate had become the rulers of Japan after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the largest battle in feudal Japan’s history. Given this context, Ghost of Yotei’s story will likely focus on the Japanese colonialism of Ainu lands.
The Ainu were not ethnically Japanese but were a separate people. They had their own language and culture, and were the majority population in what is now Hokkaido at the start of the Edo period. Atsu’s wanted poster could mean she chose to hide from the Tokugawa shogunate in a place untouched by Japanese rule.
However, throughout the 1600s, the Japanese, particularly the Matsumae clan, would slowly begin assimilating the Ainu. While the annexation of Hokkaido would not occur until 1799, the tensions between Japanese outsiders and local Ainu rose throughout the 17th century. The Japanese sowed discord among Ainu clans over imported goods while bringing diseases that reduced their population. There were also many instances of Ainu rebellions against the Matsumae incursion.
Many fans, particularly history buffs, hope that if Ghost of Yotei tackles the story of the Ainu, it does so respectfully. Another aspect of Ghost of Yotei that has sparked discourse is the presence of a female protagonist, with some even questioning the historical accuracy of Atsu.
Did female samurai exist in Japanese history like in Ghost of Yotei?
Women being warriors or samurai is a well-documented phenomenon in feudal Japan, meaning Ghost of Yotei’s story isn’t inherently inaccurate with a female lead.
Ghost of Tsushima featured numerous female warriors in its story. After all, Masako and Yuna play significant roles in the politics and intrigue of the first game.
Contrary to the claims of a certain section of the internet, female samurai were not only real but were significant players in Japanese history. Notable names include Tomoe Gozen, Hangaku Gozen, Nakano Takeko, and Niijima Yae. These women held political positions of power in their families and are documented to have fought in major battles.
That’s not even getting into the Onna-Musha who may not have been recorded in feudal history.
Jin Sakai was not based on any particular person and was meant to represent the “storm” that stopped the Mongol invasion. Atsu will likely fulfill a similar role for Ghost of Yotei. Much like a Spaghetti Western, Atsu could wander from town to town, defending Ainu from Japanese incursion. Given her outlaw status, she would be sympathetic to the plight of the Ainu.
