BODY: When Ubisoft unveiled the Japanese dub cast for "Assassin's Creed Black Flag RE:Synchro" on May 22, longtime fans noticed something unexpected: pirate-turned-Assassin Edward Kenway no longer sounds like Kenjiro Tsuda. The role has been handed to Eiji Hanawa, marking a notable shift for a character whose Japanese voice has been iconic since the 2013 original.
The remake, headed to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, is Ubisoft's ambitious "re-synchronization" of the beloved Caribbean pirate adventure. The publisher offered only a careful explanation for the recasting, stating the decision came "as a result of various considerations and discussions during production." No further details were provided about why Tsuda—one of Japan's most in-demand voice actors—stepped away from the role.
Hanawa, while less of a household name than his predecessor, brings substantial dubbing experience to Edward's swashbuckling persona. The supporting cast lineup announced alongside the news suggests Ubisoft is committed to a full Japanese localization rather than a subtitled-only release, signaling continued investment in the Japanese market for the Assassin's Creed franchise.
"Black Flag" remains one of the most beloved entries in the series, particularly in Japan, where naval combat and the open-world Caribbean setting earned it a devoted following. The remake faces high expectations following the mixed reception of recent franchise entries.
The insider take
Recasting decisions in Japan are rarely about budget alone—Tsuda's stock has only risen since 2013, making this transition feel deliberate rather than circumstantial. Japanese gaming media is reading Ubisoft's vague "various considerations" language as code for scheduling conflicts or possibly creative direction changes, as Tsuda has been increasingly selective with game roles while pursuing prestige anime and live-action work. The fan response on Japanese social platforms has been mixed but largely respectful, with many acknowledging Hanawa as a capable choice while mourning the loss of Tsuda's distinctive gravelly charisma that defined Edward for over a decade.
Originally reported by GAME Watch (Japanese).