The island of Tsushima announced that Ghost of Tsushima director, Nate Fox, and Creative Director, Jason Connell, will be honoured as permanent ambassadors for the island.
According to VGC, the Island of Tsushima, part of Nagasaki Prefecture, will grant Nate Fox and Jason Connell permanent ambassadors as thanks for the spreading of the name and history of Tsushima to the whole world in such a wonderful way and a way to boost the island tourism.
The 1274 Tsushima Island is the setting for Ghost of Tsushima. The game explores the Mongol invasions in Japan in a period called Gen-ko. A time period that, according to Tsushima mayor, even a lot of Japanese don’t know the history.
‘Even a lot of Japanese people do not know the history of the Gen-ko period. When it comes to the world, the name and location of Tsushima is literally unknown, so I cannot thank them enough for telling our story with such phenomenal graphics and profound stories.’
Hiroki Hitakatsu, Tsushima mayor
It’s not uncommon for a city in Japan to honour people and sometimes even characters as tourism ambassadors. However, when it comes to Tsushima, the Mayor explained that it’s the first time the honour, usually given to notable Japanese, has been awarded to someone “who has spread the name and history of Tsushima through their works”.
The title of Tsushima Ambassadors is permanent or until they no longer wish to have it. Furthermore, although Japan is under travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Hitakatsu said that, once restrictions are lifted, he would like to invite Nate Fox, Jason Connell and the entire Sucker Punch team to Tsushima.
‘I did not appoint them for the purpose of having them do anything in the future. Thanks to the two of them, Sucker Punch Productions, and SIE, I have heard from people all over the world who have learned about Tsushima through their works, and now want to see, know, and go to Tsushima.’
Hiroki Hitakatsu, Tsushima mayor
Also due to travel restrictions, the ceremony will be held digitally. The Ghost of Tsushima senior devs pair will also be presented with the award and a letter of appreciation.
To celebrate the occasion and boost tourism, a sector greatly affected in Japan due to covid-19, the city will work with Sony Interactive Entertainment to create a new tourism campaign based on the game. The campaign will be designed to encourage fans to learn more about Tsushima and its landmarks.
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