Who Are the Voices Behind Assassin's Creed Shadows' Yasuke and Naoe?

Assassin's Creed Shadows has been making waves since its launch, drawing in millions of players worldwide. One of the standout features of the game is its impressive voice cast, which brings depth and authenticity to its characters. The two main protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, are voiced by talented actors who add their own unique touch to Ubisoft’s latest historical adventure.

Tongayi Chirisa as Yasuke

Yasuke, the African samurai serving under Oda Nobunaga, is voiced by Tongayi Chirisa. If his name sounds familiar, that’s because he’s been in plenty of TV shows and films, including American Horror Story, iZombie, and Crusoe. His role in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a big milestone in his gaming career, giving him the chance to portray one of the historical figures.

• Movies/TV:

  • The Jim Gaffigan Show (2015-2016) - Played Father Nicholas Ngugumbane in this comedy series.

  • iZombie (2017-2019) - Recurring role as Justin Bell, a zombie soldier.

  • Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) - Provided voice work or a minor role in this blockbuster film.

  • Crusoe (2008-2009) - Played Friday in this TV adaptation of Robinson Crusoe.

  • Antebellum (2020) - Appeared in this horror-thriller film starring Janelle Monáe.

• Video Games:

  • Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014) - Had a smaller voice role in this first-person shooter.

Masumi Tsunoda as Naoe

Naoe, the skilled shinobi from the Iga province, is brought to life by Masumi Tsunoda, also known by her musician name MASUMI. She’s no stranger to action-packed roles, having starred in Yakuza Princess and made appearances in NCIS: Hawai’i.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks her debut in video game voice acting, but you wouldn’t know it from her performance. She brings a raw, emotional intensity to Naoe, making her a compelling character. Plus, her background in martial arts and katana training helps make her portrayal feel even more authentic.

• Movies/TV:

  • NCIS: Hawaii (TV series) - Appeared in an episode as a guest star.

  • Yakuza Princess (2021) - Played a role in this action-thriller film based on a Brazilian graphic novel.

  • Naruto (live-action adaptation) - Part of the cast for this stage play adaptation of the popular anime/manga.

Other Key Voice Actors in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

While Yasuke and Naoe take center stage, the game is packed with a stellar supporting cast:

• Hiro Kanagawa as Oda Nobunaga – Known for Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024) and Percy Jackson, Kanagawa adds authority to the role of the ambitious warlord.

• Mackenyu as Gennojo – The One Piece live-action star lends his voice and motion capture skills to this charismatic thief.

• Peter Shinkoda as Fujibayashi Nagato – Best known for Daredevil and Falling Skies, Shinkoda plays Naoe’s father.

• Yoshiro Kono as Momochi Sandayu – Recognizable from FBI: Most Wanted and Succession, Kono plays a pivotal role in bringing Yasuke and Naoe together.

• David Sakurai as Ashikaga Yoshiaki – A Danish-Japanese actor from Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and Iron Fist, Sakurai voices a former ally-turned-rival of Oda Nobunaga.

Assassin's Creed Shadows boasts a full cast of over 70 voice actors, including legendary Japanese performers like Katsuyuki Konishi and Daisuke Namikawa. From background characters to major roles, each voice contributes to the rich tapestry of the game's world.