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Tomonori Kitabatake, a possible candidate for the historical origin of Isshin Ashina was killed by the assassins of Nobunaga in 1576.
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The reason for picking Sengoku over Edo was that the former is an era during the Middle Ages, whereas the latter is closer to early-modern times. The Sengoku Era was a century-long period in Japanese history that was known for its military conflict between social, political upheaval and warlordism where countless leaders of Japan fought each other in a never-ending battle for claiming power and land.Īccording to an interview from the Washington Post and Hidetaka Miyazaki, Miyazaki mentions: "As we wanted to create a setting in which a ninja character could play an active role, we considered both the Sengoku period and the Edo period. The Sengoku Era in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the setting that was chosen for the game. The limb you have lost will give way to something more. Some time has passed since I found you: your master still lives but they'll soon make use of his bloodline. Looks like death is not your fate just yet. This is a tale of a Lord and his Retainer, and their journey to return balance to the land.īusshi: So you're awake. Soon though, he realizes the inevitable: “Ashina cannot be defended by normal means, not anymore.”Īlone in the world save for a single shinobi.
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Genichiro Ashina, Isshin's grandson, has assumed command and desperately searches for a means to defend his home. The Interior Ministry has set it's sights on Ashina and will stop at nothing to unify all of Japan under one banner. Under his leadership Ashina was reclaimed by it's rightful rulers and a new time of peace began.īut now, Ashina once again faces an invasive threat. Isshin's skill with a blade was unrivaled, and he inspired fierce loyalty in his countrymen. That is until twenty years ago, when Sword Saint Isshin Ashina ignited a bloody coup to retake his homeland. Japan is fractured into many independent nations entangled in ceaseless war.īeyond endless snowy peaks lies the land of Ashina - a realm rife with sacred earth and ancient mystery.įor years the Ashina were overrun by invaders and forced to serve foreign lords. As Ashina prepares to make it's final stand, a lone shinobi begins a perilous search for his missing lord - the young Divine Heir, whose blood is coveted by all those seeking power. And the very soil itself is infused with waters of everlasting life. Spirits and monsters roam the country alongside samurai and shinobi. The lands of Ashina are steeped in deep lore, mythology and history. The world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a fantasy spin on Sengoku-Era Japan.
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