Ghost of Tsushima Sequel Story: What to expect from Ghost of Yotei?

Summary

Sony's 'Ghost of Yotei' introduces a new female protagonist set in 17th century Hokkaido, exploring the cultural and historical significance of the Ainu people during a transformative period in Japan. The game is set in 1603, coinciding with the rise of the Tokugawa shogunate. It delves into the complexities of Ainu-Japanese relations, including trade, conflict, and the Matsumae clan's expansion. As the protagonist navigates these tensions, the narrative promises to highlight themes of loyalty and exile, providing a rich backdrop for a story rooted in real historical events.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sony announced 'Ghost of Yotei,' featuring a new female protagonist and a setting in 17th-century Hokkaido.
• 😀 The game is set in 1603, a pivotal year marking the start of the Tokugawa shogunate and the Edo period.
• 😀 Hokkaido was historically viewed as part of the 'barbarian islands' by the Japanese, predominantly inhabited by the Ainu people.
• 😀 The Ainu culture in the 17th century was an amalgamation of influences from Japanese trade and earlier indigenous cultures.
• 😀 The Matsumae clan established a foothold in Hokkaido and played a crucial role in the Ainu-Japanese conflicts during the 15th century.
• 😀 The Kakizaki clan, later renamed Matsumae, sought to expand their power and trade relations with the Japanese central authorities.
• 😀 Ieyasu's ascent to shogunate in 1603 led to the Matsumae clan's control over Ainu trade and natural resources, including gold mining.
• 😀 The Matsumae clan's trade monopoly over the Ainu led to economic dependency and exploitation, negatively impacting Ainu livelihoods.
• 😀 Shakushain's Revolt in 1669 exemplified the Ainu's resistance against Japanese exploitation, though it ultimately ended in tragedy.
• 😀 The game may focus on the early Matsumae expansion and the cultural dynamics of the Ainu, rather than later conflicts.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the game 'Ghost of Yotei'?

The game introduces a new female protagonist and is set in early 17th century Mount Yotei, Hokkaido, during the significant historical period following the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Why is the year 1603 important in Japanese history?

It marks the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate and the Edo period, a time when large-scale conflicts were declining and Japan was transitioning to a more stable political environment.

What was the Ainu's historical relationship with Japan?

The Ainu people were viewed as a distinct ethnic group, often referred to as 'barbarians' by the Japanese, and their culture developed separately, particularly due to trade interactions with Japanese settlers.

What role did the Matsumae clan play in Hokkaido's history?

The Matsumae clan became the nominal lords of southern Hokkaido, engaging in trade with the Ainu and expanding their influence during conflicts such as Koshamain's War.

How did the economic landscape change for the Matsumae clan in 1604?

The Matsumae clan received a black seal order from Shogun Ieyasu, granting them a trade monopoly with the Ainu, thereby increasing their economic power and influence.

What were the effects of Japanese trade practices on Ainu society?

Japanese merchants' practices led to the exploitation of Ainu resources, such as salmon fishing, causing ecological and social disruptions in Ainu communities.

What initiated Shakushain's Revolt in 1669?

The revolt began due to decades of economic exploitation and disputes over access to fishing and hunting areas among Ainu groups, escalating into broader conflicts against Japanese authorities.

How did the Tokugawa shogunate respond to Shakushain's Revolt?

The Tokugawa shogunate initially delayed military response but eventually dispatched troops to support the Matsumae clan, leading to a decisive conflict against Ainu forces.

What might 'Ghost of Yotei' explore regarding Ainu and Japanese interactions?

The game may depict the early expansion of the Matsumae clan into Hokkaido and the complexities of Ainu-Japanese relations, highlighting cultural exchanges and conflicts.

What implications does the game's setting in Ezo have for the protagonist's story?

The protagonist, Atsu, may represent a character exiled from Honshu, reflecting the historical context of Ezo as a place for political rivals, thus intertwining her personal narrative with broader historical themes.