ABSTRACT
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a 2019 video game set in a fantasy version of the Warring States (Sengoku) period. The game reflects faithfully neither Japanese history nor geography, but still generates real-life tourism. Based on the name of the game’s main antagonists, Ashina, fans identified the storyline as inspired by events related to the Aizu branch of the Ashina clan. Fans visit Tsuruga castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu to interact with the game’s lore. This chapter explores fans’ searches for the links between Sekiro, real-life locations and historical events, and visitors’ perceptions of Aizu-Wakamatsu through the lens of the game.
