As the March release date approaches, Assassin’s Creed Shadows gains even more momentum with the announcement of Japanese actor Mackenyu Arata joining the cast. Known for his role as Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s One Piece, Mackenyu will voice Gennojo, a pivotal character in Ubisoft’s latest RPG adventure set in Feudal Japan. Read on to discover more about Gennojo and other updates from Ubisoft.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Builds Anticipation Ahead of Launch
Mackenyu, best recognized for his performance as Roronoa Zoro in the popular Netflix adaptation of One Piece, has officially joined the voice cast of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. In the game, he lends both his Japanese and English voice talents to the character of Gennojo, a key figure players will encounter during their journey through Feudal Japan.
According to Ubisoft, Gennojo plays a vital role in the narrative, assisting the protagonist in tracking and eliminating a high-value target. Described as "a charming, reckless, and deeply conflicted figure," Gennojo is driven by guilt and a burning desire to dismantle a corrupt system. His personality blends wit, deception, and boldness—making him a flirtatious rogue and trickster who constantly walks the line between danger and duty.
Despite his rough exterior, Gennojo holds a strong moral compass and is especially protective of the poor and elderly. He’s willing to risk everything—even his own life—to achieve his goals.
While exact details about when players will meet Gennojo are being kept under wraps, it's confirmed that he will play a significant role throughout the game’s mission structure. According to Mackenyu himself, Gennojo is part of an elite group known as the "Shinobi League." More intriguingly, players can "basically recruit" Gennojo into their team, making him a valuable companion and ally in the field.