GamesOpen WorldGhost of TsushimaGhost of Yotei’s title features a historical inaccuracy so clever that one Japanese scholar believes “it has to be intentional"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesOpen WorldGhost of TsushimaGhost of Yotei’s title features a historical inaccuracy so clever that one Japanese scholar believes “it has to be intentional"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Sucker Punch)
Ghost of Yoteiwas revealed during last night’sPlayStation State of Playevent as the sequel to the 2020 action-adventure hitGhost of Tsushima- and it turns out its title may have more significant historical implications than initially meet the eye.
Tangiku describes how Mount Yotei, the inactive stratovolcano behind the Ghost of Tsushima sequel’s title, had a different name in 1603. The Ainu people originally dubbed the mountain “Machineshiri.” During the Meiji period between 1868 and 1912, it was instead called Mount Shiribeshi. It wasn’t until later that people then derived “Yotei” from “Shiribeshi,” meaning that its appearance in Ghost of Yotei’s title is anachronistic.
製作発表が出た『ゴースト・オブ・ヨーテイ』の舞台が1603年の北海道というのはすごい。いろんな意味で「ゴースト」です。絶対にわざとですね。「ヨーテイ」の元の「後方羊蹄山」という山名は明治以降のもので、アイヌ語では「マチネシㇼ」です。「1603年のヨーテイ」は「ゴースト地名」ですね。September 25, 2024
製作発表が出た『ゴースト・オブ・ヨーテイ』の舞台が1603年の北海道というのはすごい。いろんな意味で「ゴースト」です。絶対にわざとですね。「ヨーテイ」の元の「後方羊蹄山」という山名は明治以降のもので、アイヌ語では「マチネシㇼ」です。「1603年のヨーテイ」は「ゴースト地名」ですね。September 25, 2024
According to Tangiku, this is almost certainly an intentional “mistake” on developer Sucker Punch’s part. “In the year 1603, ‘Mount Yotei’ is very much a ghost toponym,” he says. The scholar then delves into how significant the year itself is historically. It was the year before the Matsumae clan was given the exclusive right to trade with the Ainu people - marking a sad turning point for the Ainu, whose dominance in Hokkaido then began to fall.
From 1604 on, the Matsumae imposed themselves as representatives of the Japanese people and stopped other clans from trading with the Ainu. What was once the home of the Ainu, Hokkaido, faced colonization and was transformed into a fishery within 200 years. With this context in mind, Tangiku details how Ghost of Yotei could also be satirizing colonialism. The sequel’s plot isn’t clear yet, though - but its title may indeed hint toward a tale of Ainu revenge.
Check out our roundup ofnew gamescoming this year and beyond for even more to look forward to.
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
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2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
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Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
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The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
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2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
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3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
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4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”