Although the story and characters are fictional, Ghost of Tsushima takes place in a real place. As has been well established, Sucker Punch’s open world samurai adventure takes place on the titular island, which was actually invaded by the Mongolian army in 1274. A lot (a lot!) More recently, the hit game popularized the place, and Japan is fully aware of this; after all, Tsushima’s tourism website largely features the exclusive PlayStation 4.
The island’s popularity has increased dramatically in recent months, to the point that fans of the game are getting involved with events that take place in the real world. Earlier this year, a typhoon hit Tsushima, and one of the island’s torii gates was heavily damaged as a result. Phantom players will know that these gates lead to Shinto shrines (although the real ones do not grant powerful spells). The resident priest of the Yuichi Hirayama shrine started a campfire campaign, which is essentially a Kickstarter, in order to raise funds for repairs to the torii.
Asking for 5 million yen, the campaign started on November 27. With a few weeks to go, the crowdfunding page has raised more than 20 million yen, more than four times the initial target. In a Famitsu report (translated by Twinfinite), Yuichi Hirayama wrote in an update that much of that immense support is due to fans of Ghost of Tsushima.
It’s great to know that passionate players have managed to channel their love of the game into something that has had an impact in the real world. Hopefully, when it is safe to travel again, people will be able to visit Tsushima and see the restored torii gate in all its glory.
How about a cheerful story to get into the Christmas spirit?