Masako is arguably one of the most compelling characters within the Ghost of Tsushima. She suffers a great tragedy, is an amazing fighter, and helps Jin Sakai overcome enemies throughout the game. She is no-nonsense and doesn’t trust anyone due to what she has been through.
Her complexity makes her interesting, and one that many gamers have enjoyed playing with. However, while you spend a decent amount of time with her, there are some things you likely don’t know about Masako. Some of her past is shrouded in mystery.
So, check out these details you may have missed.
10 Her Combat Prowess Increased Her Desirability
When most guys say what they like in a woman, it could be a variety of things. However, in Masako’s case, her suiter was impressed with her fighting style. When she was a teenager, Masako had to fight off a number of bandits who tried to break into her family home.
This action caught the eye of Harunobu Adachi, and this caused him to marry her and make Masako a part of the Clan Adachi. To know that she could fight that early is pretty amazing.
9 A Famous Voice
If Masako’s voice sounded a little familiar, it would make sense. She is voiced by the prolific voice actress, Lauren Tom. Tom has voiced various animated characters in the DC Universe, and Samurai Jack.
However, she is most known for voicing Amy Wong on Futurama. Considering how talented Tom is, it is no mistake as to why Masako is such a pivotal character in Ghost of Tsushima.
8 Masako’s Role As A Female Samurai Is Historical
The developers at Sucker Punch took some liberties with the game, especially when it comes to the Mongol invasion’s actual history. However, there are parts of the Ghost of Tsushima that are historical.
Back in the 12th century, there were female samurai who, many times, fought and trained alongside the male members of their families. They were known as Onna-Bugeisha, which translates to women warriors. One of the most famous, and first recognized of these fighters was, Tomoe Gozen, a fierce swordswoman who fought rival clans in 12th century Japan.
7 Masako Reveals How Open Feudal Japan Was To LGBTQ Communities
It has been believed that many historical societies were unaccepting of LGBTQ communities. The Ghost of Tsushima takes a bit of a different approach, and Masako’s story is at the forefront. Masako is revealed to have been in a relationship with a woman while married to a man.
However, while one would think this is controversial, this situation was not uncommon in Feudal Japan and was accepted in some circles. The developers handle this situation delicately and shed some new light on this scenario in a historical context.
6 Her And Jin Run In The Same Circles
Feudal Japan wasn’t that different from today when it comes to influential people knowing one another. Jin was aware of Masakao because she had a tie to Jin’s family. Masako’s husband was a retainer of Lord Shimura.
He likely offered military services to Shimura in exchange for protection and land. It’s quite possible that Jin could have even grown up near Masako’s sons and family.
5 Masako Helps You To Ease Into The Game
Now, Masako is a formidable opponent. Even though you encounter her toward the beginning of the game, she isn’t easy. Her blows are furious, and she sincerely puts up a fight.
However, she accomplishes a worthy goal for the player: getting you ready for the rest of the game. Many of the techniques Masako uses build skills in you that you will utilize throughout the rest of the game. In a way, the battle is a service to you.
4 The Clan Armor And Its Relevance
Once you beat Masako, you receive “beginner armor” from her. One of the hallmarks of this armor is its healing abilities, where Jin can receive damage reduction.
This is interesting, as Masako’s story is about redemption and healing. Her story deals with her coming to terms with what happened to her family, especially her husband. It’s interesting that the armor would convey this, and it likely isn’t a coincidence.
3 A Master Of Martial Arts
Reddit user, ImmoralThunderGod79 is known for their takes on historical events in video games. This user broke down what female warriors back in Feudal Japan would have done. According to their research, it is likely that these women would have been experts at jujitsu, sword-related combat, and using bow-and-arrows.
Masako would have been in great company back in the 12th century, and would likely be a master regarding these combat methods in her own right.
2 Could Masako Be In An Upcoming DLC
Depending on your choice in the end, you meet up with Yuna in a location. Once you reunite with her, she mentions that Masako needs help capturing more people who hurt her family.
Regardless of what happened in the game, Masako is still enacting justice for what has occurred. This little detail is easy to miss, but it brings home the fact there Masako has unfinished business. Could there be a DLCtitle on the way that moves forward with her story?
1 Masako’s Japanese Voice Actor Has Made The Rounds
Masako’s Japanese voice actor is Mabuki Ando, who has been in the voice acting industry for years. She voiced characters all the way back in the 1990s when she lent her talents to Dex on Reboot, all the way up to Final Fantasy XIII’s Oerba Yun Fang.
She is talented and has developed the chops to bring Masako’s voice to life.
NEXT: 10 Things That Make No Sense In Ghost Of Tsushima