While initial reactions to The Sims 4 Snowy Escape Expansion Pack seemed positive overall, many South Korean players have pointed out some problematic imagery featured in the pack that is insensitive towards the history between Japan and South Korea.
The frame from the reveal trailer that you can see down below shows a Sim interacting with a, what appears to be, a shrine. Although it hasn't been fully clarified what you can actually do with this shrine, it does appear like the Sim is worshipping the shrine in some way.
TS4 EP10 REVEAL INGAME EN US 304
TS4 EP10 REVEAL INGAME EN US 310
There's one more frame in the trailer that could be showing the "Rising Sun" Flag:
These particular frames have caused the South Korean player community to share their thoughts and clarify why these additions to the pack are wrong.
As explained by them, the shrine worship and the rising sun flag are representations of Japanese colonialism and some of the terrible things that happened to people as a result of the Japanese during this time.
Here are some of the comments people left in the YouTube comments section:
Sims 4 Snowy Escape Reception
This is the result of Orientalism. I know that Ea likes Japanese culture. But this is too much. Korea had been forced by Japan. They forced Koreans to greet their religious buildings. Koreans had to be tortured or killed if they didn't do what Japan wanted. Surprisingly, the religious building appears in the game.
Spread it out, please.Sims 4 snowy sports in Korea is now controversial. This is because it has a function called shrine worship.A shrine visit was when Korea was Japanese colonial era, when Japan set up shrines everywhere to inculcate the emperor's ideology and forced Koreans to pay tribute.The Korean position, the most painful part of Korean history, and yet Japan is justifying visits to the shrine, which justifies war and colonial rule. Many Koreans are angry that EA added this to the game.I'm Korean and these sentences are translated, so please understand that the sentences can be awkward.Many Koreans are also disappointed with sims4 and EA and say they will not buy this pack again.I am very disappointed and angry as a Korean about EA, which contains shrine worship in the game.Buying this game is your choice, but buying a game pack that justifies one country's colonial rule and justifies Korea's painful history that is still unresolved is your freedom. But I hope you know what this pack means and buy it.Thank you for reading.
Real ea, foreign users, and other people don't even think about others... I just want you guys to have fun while playing ㅠ Of course, I think Japanese culture should be respected as Japanese culture. Is there a reason to view the symbol with wounds on Koreans as a culture? Is there a reason to accept it as a culture and put it in a game that Koreans also enjoy? Also, there will certainly be Korean users who buy this pack, and if you keep watching and playing that interaction, it will become dull.
- Translated via Google Translate
I’m really disappointed that with all the work EA claimed to be doing to be culturally conscious of what they were doing with this pack they ignored so much of their Asian audience beyond Japan. I was so excited for this pack before that. For those who don’t know why it’s so upsetting (specifically for the Korean people in comments, I lived there and studied the history extensively) the shrine worship and the rising sun flag are representations of Japanese colonialism and some of the terrible things that happened to people as a result of the Japanese during this time. I could make several comparisons to some negative imagery that we westerners might make but I really don’t know if this is the place for that. If you are interested or want to understand I would suggest looking up Japanese colonialism in other countries (again I specifically know about Korea personally, and am speaking in support of the Korean people I know and love and the country that has become my second home).
If the shrine and the jacket that were shown in The Sims 4 Snowy Escape's Reveal Trailer are exactly what the South Korean players described them to be then EA is in some hot waters.
Hopefully The Sims Team will make a statement soon regarding these features in the game.
702 Comments
Anita
As I waited for this cottage. For me, Sims 2 was like that in my Japanese restaurant. And now I built the same restaurant. But there was no cottage.
Dixie
To be fair windenburg doesn’t have have an icon showing how they tortured Jewish people.
Nihao
Let’s not forget what they did to the Chinese too. I really wish they had picked a different Asian theme instead of Japanese.
Eggy
Reply to Nihao
Oh, boo hoo. I’m Polish, and Windenburg is a German inspired town, But I’m not complaining, and calling EA nazi sympathizer. You don’t like the pack, don’t buy it.
SpaceT
Reply to Eggy
You’re complaining about other people complaining. Take your own advice and be quiet
Lo
Reply to Eggy
This is really insensitive, I hope you’re aware of that
Eggy
Reply to Lo
What is so insensitive that I wrote? I’m just pointing out the general fallacy of this stupid situation. You’re just being butthurt over such an idiotic non – issue, and I find it just hilarious. Just get over yourselves, because you’re acting like special, little, Overreacting, fragile snowflakes.
Trace
Reply to Eggy
Calm down, edgelord. You’re getting worked up there.
Eggy
Reply to Eggy
@ Trace Who do you call Edgelord? I’m just pointing some things, and trying to be logical. And you’re just being childish.
Amy
Reply to Eggy
Just be quiet. If you lack the pride to reject colonialist propaganda that killed and tortured your ancestors, that’s your own business. Don’t tell Koreans how they should feel. And if you had any sense you would know that Germany apologized for their war crimes while Japan continues to deny and lie.
You completely missed the point. Imagine Swastikas all around Windenburg or purple triangles on homosexual Sims clothing.
Eggy
Reply to Eggy
@Amy WTF are you even talking about? My ancestors fought in WWII, AND Warsaw Uprising, and I’m proud to be a Pole. I just don’t see why, in a JAPANESE themed EP, there can’t be JAPANESE culture and Religion. I would understand if it was a KOREAN themed world, and it had the Shinto Shrine. That would be wrong, and the outrage understandable. But the world is JAPANESE, and it makes sense to have a JAPANESE shrine in it. DEAL WITH IT.
Maria Aroca
Reply to Eggy
Generally speaking, it’s best for EA to not introduce any element related to religion, as there are many different players from different cultures playing this game. Imagine seeing a Catholic church in the game? (I am Catholic, btw). It was just an unnecessary addition that actually could disrespect others, including the japanese. The game is customizable so if you want those elements in your gameplay you could add them via cc. Very unwise decision.
Bapo
Reply to Eggy
I totally agree with Eggy about the overreaction. It’s unnecessary. Maybe there are more little things in the game which are not so politically correct, we just didn’t notice them because those are not so highlighted. Nowadays, everyone on the internet needs something to whine about. I’m Hungarian and the Sims 1 had a gypsy caravan with the traditional Hungarian food, goulash. Hungarians are somehow always mentioned on the same page with gypsies (whom are quite infamous in my country of their criminal behavour) but I don’t get so sensitive about it, because game devs can slip over these little things. Are you getting this sensitive about war games or other historical games? Ugh…
Lolololol
Reply to Eggy
Probs because there arent Hakenkreuz inside the game
o
Reply to Eggy
During Japanese rule in Korea, the Japanese forced Koreans to worship at (Japanese) shrines, and if they did not accept, they were killed. This is a very sensitive and painful subject in Korea today, just like the Holocaust.
Lynn
Reply to o
Well the same case has been with Abrahamic religions like Islam and Christianity. It was forced upon people just like the Shinto shrines on Koreans. That‘s why i think they should keep real life stuff like religions and shrines out of the game.
blackcheese
Reply to Eggy
I know that The Sims is just a game. BUT unlike Germany, Japan has neither apologized nor reflected on its war crimes. They are distorting the past by doing secondary harm to the affected countries. There are many Sims users in South Korea, and I think we deserve this opinion.
Thank you Eggy, you’re spot on. It seems SK players are just jealous that a Japan was chosen as the theme instead of them.
Jane
Reply to Eggy
No, I think you missed the point entirely. While Windenburg is “German-inspired”, there’s nothing inherently German about the world at all. There’s no statue of Hitler in the middle of the world’s metropolis. Snow Escape, however, literally depicts specific Japanese cultural pieces such as shinto shrines and the Rising Sun flag, basically equivalent to hanging the Swastika out in the forefront of the game. It’s a permeant symbol of Japanese colonialism and a painful reminder for Koreans and Chinese. Also, small difference here: the Japanese are notoriously unapologetic about their WWII war crimes while the German government has made several formal apologies and reconciliation efforts. Please check your history before telling my people to “boo hoo”. This isn’t a matter of political correctness or censorship but a matter of being a decent human being and understanding another country’s pain.
Eggy
Reply to Jane
Yes, it does present Shinto Shrines. Why? BECAUSE THIS EP’S WORLD IS BASED ON JAPAN!!! Korea has NOTHING to do with it. You don’t like it, don’t buy the EP. Simple.
Kai Chen
Reply to Jane
That’s like saying having a Christmas tree is insensitive because of all the evils Christianity committed in the dark ages. Utterly ridiculous.
Introvert Sara
Reply to Kai Chen
Fun fact: the Christmas tree is pagan, not christian. It was adapted to catholicism by pagans who were forced to convert in an effort to keep some of their traditions alive (likewise with easter bunny and other stuff). Now it’s just part of the holidays and even non religious people use them
Petra
Reply to Kai Chen
The Christmas tree is Pagan. (Yule tree) Nothing Christian about it. The bible doesn‘t mention christmas trees even once. It’s a European Pagan tradition
Kai Chen
Reply to Kai Chen
That’s irrelevant. A swastika wasn’t a Nazi symbol in its inception. It’s not how it originated. It is what it is. It seems a Japanese religion is being discriminated against. It’s racism.
Samantha Clysdale
Reply to Kai Chen
Actually the christmas tree is Germany. Its took keep evil unrested souls away.
Tia
Reply to Eggy
Thank you!
jasmine
Reply to Eggy
but windenburg doesn’t have swastikas plastered all over the place – which is what the rising sun symbol was equivalent to in korea
Why????? Then people would think they would be representing communism! And yes they would!!! And it’s hurtful to say I wish they didn’t do a Japanese pack! I have so many Japanese friends and saying that you wouldn’t represent them is disgusting and horrible!
Nihao
Reply to Tia
Please reread my comment. I said I wished they had done another Asian theme instead of Japanese. Like, I would love a Thai themed pack. Japanese has been done. Let’s do something else. Calm down.
jaks
Reply to Nihao
why. there’s nothing japanese about sims 4. it hasnt been done as you say. also, there is a huge love for japan in western countries and others (here in latin america it very much is!): their music, the anime/manga, the food, the country itself!
thailand… well. you /know/ the reason most westerns and the rest of the world know about that place.
Nihao
Reply to jaks
You obviously haven’t bought San Myshuno yet. They have Sakura tea in it amongst other Japanese-themed items.
Jelmer
Reply to Nihao
I mean, they also already did a German-inspired world for Windenburg. Should they remove Windenburg too then? And what about San Myshuno, which is inspired by China. The Chinese government has concentration camps for muslims.
If you draw a line here, you’d have to draw a line for almost all cultures.
Quigley
Reply to Jelmer
Read Jane’s comment beforehand
Nihao
Reply to Jelmer
San Myshuno is NOT a Chinese based pack. That is also Japanese. Please do research next time.
jaks
Reply to Nihao
mmh, no. it’s vaguely asian, not specifically japanese. do you even play the game?
Zyb
Reply to Jelmer
You don’t know about China, so shut your fuxking mouth up
Nihao
Reply to Zyb
I do, and even the outfits that came with it are kimono based.
Nihao
Reply to Zyb
One, that’s incredibly rude. And two I do know about China. You need to calm down.
AngelSim
Reply to Nihao
This is why asking for specific cultures is hard cause not everyone will be happy. Latinos were not 100% happy about their representation in the previous update. Black individuals are still looking for compatible there exact hair and/or skin tone. And other cultures are asking for specific representations. Which is understandable. But if it isn’t exactly you you cannot be upset cause maybe it is someone else. As for this specific issue. Do we so often forget what the African turned Black people went through in the United States? I understand when asking for culture in games we can be upset about the representation and even the history of how culture came to be. But we were asking for it and when they give us an acceptable norm (albeit by the majority- I as a black American understand your distaste) we need to understand and critic not ” do anything else but” cause I am sure if some picked Korean, or Chinese or Vietnamese inspired someone, somewhere, would have found issue with it.
Metacircumstance
Reply to Nihao
There’s nothing wrong with a Japanese theme. Imperial Japan’s legacy doesn’t mean that everything Japanese is offensive or problematic. If that’s the case then what other Asian country would you want? China? With their history and PRESENT of cultural genocide and human rights abuses? Thailand? Myanmar? India?
I’m not trying to invalidate the historic trauma and present day pain of South Koreans but the way so much of the discourse has been presented doesn’t present conpletely fair grounds for criticism.
S.
Everyone is so sensitive these days. It’s a game where you can kill people with fire, weather, bugs, … but are offended by a jacket? What happened is bad but I mean where do you draw the line if EVERYTHING does offend someone at this point.
Women sims are being forved into baby machines with 100 baby challenge, I am surprised femenists didn’t complain about this being possible lol.
Don’t buy it of you don’t like it and stop being offended for every detail. This hasn’t even been confirmed ro be a shrine nor the flag yet they are already at war with EA. Sigh.
Jane
Reply to S.
Who are you to determine what we find offensive or don’t? Do you, for whatever reason, speak on behalf of all Koreans and Chinese? This is not your place. I’d also like you to say this exact same thing and undermine the power of political imagery in the way you just did to my mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who have still not received any sort of formal apology or reconciliation effort from the Japanese government after decades of inter-generational trauma for being comfort women and being constantly raped by Japanese colonial soldiers.
Kai Chen
Reply to Jane
Calling people’s religion “political imagery” is like saying having muslim content in the game is insensitive to 9/11 families.
Topotx
Reply to Kai Chen
Is there a mosque in the game? Are there churches or synagogues? As far as I know, there is only one God in The Sims, the player. They shouldn’t introduce religious elements unless they are willing to get some backlash about it. So they made Santa Claus into father winter, but they didn’t think this could create problems? Bad decision from the team.
cc
Reply to Jane
I think your real name is not jane
thetruth
Reply to cc
isnt that racist
Eggy
This is just stupid. The New world is JAPANESE inspired, not Korean. It makes sense, that in a JAPANESE inspired world, there would be a JAPANESE shrine. There is nothing wrong with representing Shinto Religion and Japanese culture in general, in the Sims. You don’t like it, just don’t play the game. Deal with it, and quit whining you crybabies.
o
Reply to Eggy
During Japanese rule in Korea, the Japanese forced Koreans to worship at (Japanese) shrines, and if they did not accept, they were killed. This is a very sensitive and painful subject in Korea today, just like the Holocaust.
it’s a videogame bro.
there was a similar shrine that came with the asian world in sims 2 bon voyage.
none complained back then….
S.H.Knight
Reply to jaks
That is because social media was not worldwide.
Poppy
Reply to o
But it’s a religion that existed before these crimes and it’s a religion that is still very close to Japanese people these days. You cannot just erase that. That’d be insensitive as well.
Kai Chen
Reply to o
So did Christians to POC folk. Yet, we have Christmas-themed content.
TopoTx
Reply to Kai Chen
It’s not called Christmas in the game for a reason. It’s called Winterfest. And there is no Santa, there’s father winter. See? So no, us Christians are not getting our religious beliefs celebrated by the game. Also, where is Jesus? I bet if you had put Jesus in the game the entire community would flip. So why is it ok to put a religious shrine?
S,H.Knight
Reply to Kai Chen
Christmas is not Christian. It is germany who first started christmas.
SpaceT
Seeing people complain over other people complaining is always a fun thing (sarcasm). It’s not like they’re demanding you to not buy the pack. It’s literally only two things that are the issue, one of which is easily fixable (the lantern) and the other may just need an explanation, at the least, or a change in simulated interaction, at most.
Eggy
Reply to SpaceT
And nobody’s forcing you to buy the pack, if you find the content not to your liking. You’re now complaining, that I am complaining that people are complaining. What is wrong with you? I’m just stating my opinion, and you’re acting like an entitled piece of crap, and whining, and thrashing around just because someone has a different opinion than you. And EA ain’t gonna change anything, just because you’re butthurt.
SpaceT
Reply to Eggy
Someone needs a nap lol You’re the only one here that’s having a rage fit. Also, butthurt? It’s not 2009 anymore, buddy.
Eggy
Reply to SpaceT
I see. Further discussion is pointless then. You are the worst kind of person. And I don’t have a rage fit. I’m just pointing out your illogical behaviour. Also, I’m 32, so PARDON me, if I’m a little rusty with the slang. Way to ridicule someones not up to date vernacular. Are you proud of yourself, you piece of shit? Fuck you.
Drakensturm
Reply to SpaceT
Seeing people complain about people complaining about people complaining is even more fun.
SpaceT
Reply to Drakensturm
says the person complaining about me complaining lol jk
I feel many of the comments left here are very troubling. Before judging the concerns of the simmers from South Korea, you should do some general research into their concerns. It’s easy to rush to a conclusion without having some knowledge to better understand where their concerns are coming from.
Since this pack has a specific emphasis on having an immersive cultural experience, the dev team selected actions inspired by Japanese culture with origins that can be considered as triggering for some players. If anything this shows they really need to employ more people within their dev team that represent more cultures. I do hope the interaction isn’t what it seems, but if it is, I hope it is addressed before the pack is released.
jaks
Reply to Bloop
welp, there are Koreans who are speaking out against the ridiculousness of the issues that are being raised too.
Kai Chen
Reply to Bloop
It’s very racist saying Japanese religion is triggering. What if you said the same about Muslims?
Y
Reply to Kai Chen
Unfortunately to a lot of people and culture, muslims and their religion do trigger them.
Kai Chen
Reply to Y
We call those people racists.
thetruth
Reply to Y
like that guy Samuel from France, eh?
Metacircumstance
Reply to thetruth
Trying to conflate extremist terrorism with an entire religion and it’s practioners is bigotry in its own right.
Vec
as a korean I feel so embarrassed. I’ve already pre-ordered it but kinda worried if EA never releases this pack in korea because of this. please just ignore these whinings
o
Reply to Vec
don’t pretend to be korean. you’re clearly NOT korean if you weren’t offended by the shrine worship interaction.
Vec
Reply to o
lol then think as you want, I don’t really care. but in case I need to make it clear that my parents are 100% korean, not japanese 😉 and next time, please don’t serch information on Naver or Youtube.
jaks
Reply to o
everyone i disagree with is just pretending to be korean
AngelSim
Reply to Vec
I am glad you are able to voice your opinion. Ignore what mean people are saying.
Archange
Maybe because 90% of Poles are racist, sexist and homophobic, and don’t see a problem with that. And also have an obsession with Nazi Germany and WW2. It’s 2020, get over it!
Yes, I’m Polish too, and I’m ashamed of those people.
o
During Japanese rule in Korea, the Japanese forced Koreans to worship at (Japanese) shrines, and if they did not accept, they were killed. This is a very sensitive and painful subject in Korea today, just like the Holocaust.
Jey
Reply to o
Okay, but this world is heavily based on being a Japanese world, the name of the world is even Japanese. If it was a S. Korean world with shrines then you’d have a point, but… this just isn’t it lol.
TopoTx
Reply to Jey
Did we see churches in Selva Dorada? If they wanted to represent South American culture properly perhaps they should have included, but they didn’t. For a good reason. I’m a catholic Colombian and think it was the right call. There are so many other things about Japanese culture they could have done instead of this. I actually think it is pretty wrong to take complex things like that, including religion, and trivialize them like this is doing.
Koreans just hate everything of japan so deleting shrine content is just meaningless.
They ‘never’ be satisfied unless the game release is canceled. Maybe most of them never played SIMS.
Vec
Reply to aa
you’re actually correct, half of them are not even simmers. they just hates everything if it’s about japan. not ALL koreans hates japanese. I’m really sad this is happening.
Eggy
Reply to aa
This is kinda generalizing…
deri
Reply to aa
we’re gonna end up with an EP with zero content because EA had to delete it to appease the south koreans. jesus helps us.
SimAngel
Reply to deri
lol I needed that laugh after reading these comments
dorm
Reply to deri
We are going to get zero contents cuz of koreans .
Reito
Finally an EP that i’m actually excited about and now y’all are gonna make EA delete everything you find “offensive” until there’s nothing left in the pack. Jeez everyone is so sensitive these days. Every religion has gone through the phase of forcing everyone to worship their god or whatever.. If this is the case then everything that represents Christianity and Islam are offensive too. I’m very much offended.
Alyssa
Reply to Reito
Yo for real. The reason we don’t have burglars in Sims 4 is because people get triggered by them. It’s lessen the gameplay.
Jey
It’s a world HEAVILY inspired by Japan. Japan has shrines. The name of the world is even Japanese. I’m… having a hard time understanding this. To me it just seems more like nationalistic S. Koreans are upset that it’s Japanese-themed.
dorm
Reply to Jey
You know ..Koreans have their own shrine curture and motion is just 100% same as game. Lmao. They are just upset cuz it is not korean pack and japanese pack.
jaks
Reply to dorm
correct.
Japanology student
Okay, so here is a short history lesson for everyone who thinks that appearance of shrines in this expansion pack is racist:
Shrines are the biggest symbol of Shinto, a very, very old Japanese native religion. Shrines were used for kami (animistic spirits and deities) worship, way before clashes between Japan and Korea.
So, please, before jumping on the ‘let’s judge this expansion pack based on what we read online’ train, try to inform yourselves about histories of Japan and Korea.
jaks
Reply to Japanology student
#CancelSouthKorea
The Swan
I can’t speak of what is offensive or not for Asian people, but I don’t understand why they had to put a shrine in it. To me it raises many questions. There is no religions in the sims. There isn’t any churches, temples or mosques, sims don’t have sacred books or interactions. The only explanation I see to making this shine functional & part of the trailer is occidental EA being like “ok… what do we know about Asian people…. They have this ‘zen’ thing going on… they have pretty mountains… oh and they have a funny way of praying too”
I get why the shrine would be put in the game as a decor item, like there already is religious decor item in the game, as people who practice that religion should be able to represent their culture in their game. However, why making a big deal out of it by putting it in the trailer, I don’t get.
Also, as an African, I pray EA NEVER makes an African themed packs, we’re gonna end up with tribal tattoos, piercings, animal-skin clothes and pagan totems (but they seem to think Africa stops at the Sahara so fortunately it’ll never happen)…
zsuszi
Reply to The Swan
sism 4 season: menorah-kinara candle, christmas tree, Father winter, flower Bunny, Attend Holiday Ceremony.. all of them are represent faith or culture one or more way… so what we are talking about?
In my eyes a japan shire not better or worse than a candle or a christmas tree to be honest ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Anita
But no one makes that Korean worship that house. Lay simply somewhere in the garden. Build a fence around it so that no one goes there. The Japanese will worship their house if they want to. This is how we can find a place in the history of any nation.
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702 Comments
As I waited for this cottage. For me, Sims 2 was like that in my Japanese restaurant. And now I built the same restaurant. But there was no cottage.
To be fair windenburg doesn’t have have an icon showing how they tortured Jewish people.
Let’s not forget what they did to the Chinese too. I really wish they had picked a different Asian theme instead of Japanese.
Reply to Nihao
Oh, boo hoo. I’m Polish, and Windenburg is a German inspired town, But I’m not complaining, and calling EA nazi sympathizer. You don’t like the pack, don’t buy it.
Reply to Eggy
You’re complaining about other people complaining. Take your own advice and be quiet
Reply to Eggy
This is really insensitive, I hope you’re aware of that
Reply to Lo
What is so insensitive that I wrote? I’m just pointing out the general fallacy of this stupid situation. You’re just being butthurt over such an idiotic non – issue, and I find it just hilarious. Just get over yourselves, because you’re acting like special, little, Overreacting, fragile snowflakes.
Reply to Eggy
Calm down, edgelord. You’re getting worked up there.
Reply to Eggy
@ Trace Who do you call Edgelord? I’m just pointing some things, and trying to be logical. And you’re just being childish.
Reply to Eggy
Just be quiet. If you lack the pride to reject colonialist propaganda that killed and tortured your ancestors, that’s your own business. Don’t tell Koreans how they should feel. And if you had any sense you would know that Germany apologized for their war crimes while Japan continues to deny and lie.
Reply to Eggy
Amy<- lies
Koreans are not victims of ww2
Reply to Eggy
You completely missed the point. Imagine Swastikas all around Windenburg or purple triangles on homosexual Sims clothing.
Reply to Eggy
@Amy WTF are you even talking about? My ancestors fought in WWII, AND Warsaw Uprising, and I’m proud to be a Pole. I just don’t see why, in a JAPANESE themed EP, there can’t be JAPANESE culture and Religion. I would understand if it was a KOREAN themed world, and it had the Shinto Shrine. That would be wrong, and the outrage understandable. But the world is JAPANESE, and it makes sense to have a JAPANESE shrine in it. DEAL WITH IT.
Reply to Eggy
Generally speaking, it’s best for EA to not introduce any element related to religion, as there are many different players from different cultures playing this game. Imagine seeing a Catholic church in the game? (I am Catholic, btw). It was just an unnecessary addition that actually could disrespect others, including the japanese. The game is customizable so if you want those elements in your gameplay you could add them via cc. Very unwise decision.
Reply to Eggy
I totally agree with Eggy about the overreaction. It’s unnecessary. Maybe there are more little things in the game which are not so politically correct, we just didn’t notice them because those are not so highlighted. Nowadays, everyone on the internet needs something to whine about. I’m Hungarian and the Sims 1 had a gypsy caravan with the traditional Hungarian food, goulash. Hungarians are somehow always mentioned on the same page with gypsies (whom are quite infamous in my country of their criminal behavour) but I don’t get so sensitive about it, because game devs can slip over these little things. Are you getting this sensitive about war games or other historical games? Ugh…
Reply to Eggy
Probs because there arent Hakenkreuz inside the game
Reply to Eggy
During Japanese rule in Korea, the Japanese forced Koreans to worship at (Japanese) shrines, and if they did not accept, they were killed. This is a very sensitive and painful subject in Korea today, just like the Holocaust.
Reply to o
Well the same case has been with Abrahamic religions like Islam and Christianity. It was forced upon people just like the Shinto shrines on Koreans. That‘s why i think they should keep real life stuff like religions and shrines out of the game.
Reply to Eggy
I know that The Sims is just a game. BUT unlike Germany, Japan has neither apologized nor reflected on its war crimes. They are distorting the past by doing secondary harm to the affected countries. There are many Sims users in South Korea, and I think we deserve this opinion.
Reply to blackcheese
Korean education
Reply to Eggy
Thank you Eggy, you’re spot on. It seems SK players are just jealous that a Japan was chosen as the theme instead of them.
Reply to Eggy
No, I think you missed the point entirely. While Windenburg is “German-inspired”, there’s nothing inherently German about the world at all. There’s no statue of Hitler in the middle of the world’s metropolis. Snow Escape, however, literally depicts specific Japanese cultural pieces such as shinto shrines and the Rising Sun flag, basically equivalent to hanging the Swastika out in the forefront of the game. It’s a permeant symbol of Japanese colonialism and a painful reminder for Koreans and Chinese. Also, small difference here: the Japanese are notoriously unapologetic about their WWII war crimes while the German government has made several formal apologies and reconciliation efforts. Please check your history before telling my people to “boo hoo”. This isn’t a matter of political correctness or censorship but a matter of being a decent human being and understanding another country’s pain.
Reply to Jane
Yes, it does present Shinto Shrines. Why? BECAUSE THIS EP’S WORLD IS BASED ON JAPAN!!! Korea has NOTHING to do with it. You don’t like it, don’t buy the EP. Simple.
Reply to Jane
That’s like saying having a Christmas tree is insensitive because of all the evils Christianity committed in the dark ages. Utterly ridiculous.
Reply to Kai Chen
Fun fact: the Christmas tree is pagan, not christian. It was adapted to catholicism by pagans who were forced to convert in an effort to keep some of their traditions alive (likewise with easter bunny and other stuff). Now it’s just part of the holidays and even non religious people use them
Reply to Kai Chen
The Christmas tree is Pagan. (Yule tree) Nothing Christian about it. The bible doesn‘t mention christmas trees even once. It’s a European Pagan tradition
Reply to Kai Chen
That’s irrelevant. A swastika wasn’t a Nazi symbol in its inception. It’s not how it originated. It is what it is. It seems a Japanese religion is being discriminated against. It’s racism.
Reply to Kai Chen
Actually the christmas tree is Germany. Its took keep evil unrested souls away.
Reply to Eggy
Thank you!
Reply to Eggy
but windenburg doesn’t have swastikas plastered all over the place – which is what the rising sun symbol was equivalent to in korea
Reply to Nihao
> korea china education
Reply to Nihao
>chongchong education
Reply to Nihao
Why????? Then people would think they would be representing communism! And yes they would!!! And it’s hurtful to say I wish they didn’t do a Japanese pack! I have so many Japanese friends and saying that you wouldn’t represent them is disgusting and horrible!
Reply to Tia
Please reread my comment. I said I wished they had done another Asian theme instead of Japanese. Like, I would love a Thai themed pack. Japanese has been done. Let’s do something else. Calm down.
Reply to Nihao
why. there’s nothing japanese about sims 4. it hasnt been done as you say. also, there is a huge love for japan in western countries and others (here in latin america it very much is!): their music, the anime/manga, the food, the country itself!
thailand… well. you /know/ the reason most westerns and the rest of the world know about that place.
Reply to jaks
You obviously haven’t bought San Myshuno yet. They have Sakura tea in it amongst other Japanese-themed items.
Reply to Nihao
I mean, they also already did a German-inspired world for Windenburg. Should they remove Windenburg too then? And what about San Myshuno, which is inspired by China. The Chinese government has concentration camps for muslims.
If you draw a line here, you’d have to draw a line for almost all cultures.
Reply to Jelmer
Read Jane’s comment beforehand
Reply to Jelmer
San Myshuno is NOT a Chinese based pack. That is also Japanese. Please do research next time.
Reply to Nihao
mmh, no. it’s vaguely asian, not specifically japanese. do you even play the game?
Reply to Jelmer
You don’t know about China, so shut your fuxking mouth up
Reply to Zyb
I do, and even the outfits that came with it are kimono based.
Reply to Zyb
One, that’s incredibly rude. And two I do know about China. You need to calm down.
Reply to Nihao
This is why asking for specific cultures is hard cause not everyone will be happy. Latinos were not 100% happy about their representation in the previous update. Black individuals are still looking for compatible there exact hair and/or skin tone. And other cultures are asking for specific representations. Which is understandable. But if it isn’t exactly you you cannot be upset cause maybe it is someone else. As for this specific issue. Do we so often forget what the African turned Black people went through in the United States? I understand when asking for culture in games we can be upset about the representation and even the history of how culture came to be. But we were asking for it and when they give us an acceptable norm (albeit by the majority- I as a black American understand your distaste) we need to understand and critic not ” do anything else but” cause I am sure if some picked Korean, or Chinese or Vietnamese inspired someone, somewhere, would have found issue with it.
Reply to Nihao
There’s nothing wrong with a Japanese theme. Imperial Japan’s legacy doesn’t mean that everything Japanese is offensive or problematic. If that’s the case then what other Asian country would you want? China? With their history and PRESENT of cultural genocide and human rights abuses? Thailand? Myanmar? India?
I’m not trying to invalidate the historic trauma and present day pain of South Koreans but the way so much of the discourse has been presented doesn’t present conpletely fair grounds for criticism.
Everyone is so sensitive these days. It’s a game where you can kill people with fire, weather, bugs, … but are offended by a jacket? What happened is bad but I mean where do you draw the line if EVERYTHING does offend someone at this point.
Women sims are being forved into baby machines with 100 baby challenge, I am surprised femenists didn’t complain about this being possible lol.
Don’t buy it of you don’t like it and stop being offended for every detail. This hasn’t even been confirmed ro be a shrine nor the flag yet they are already at war with EA. Sigh.
Reply to S.
Who are you to determine what we find offensive or don’t? Do you, for whatever reason, speak on behalf of all Koreans and Chinese? This is not your place. I’d also like you to say this exact same thing and undermine the power of political imagery in the way you just did to my mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who have still not received any sort of formal apology or reconciliation effort from the Japanese government after decades of inter-generational trauma for being comfort women and being constantly raped by Japanese colonial soldiers.
Reply to Jane
Calling people’s religion “political imagery” is like saying having muslim content in the game is insensitive to 9/11 families.
Reply to Kai Chen
Is there a mosque in the game? Are there churches or synagogues? As far as I know, there is only one God in The Sims, the player. They shouldn’t introduce religious elements unless they are willing to get some backlash about it. So they made Santa Claus into father winter, but they didn’t think this could create problems? Bad decision from the team.
Reply to Jane
I think your real name is not jane
Reply to cc
isnt that racist
This is just stupid. The New world is JAPANESE inspired, not Korean. It makes sense, that in a JAPANESE inspired world, there would be a JAPANESE shrine. There is nothing wrong with representing Shinto Religion and Japanese culture in general, in the Sims. You don’t like it, just don’t play the game. Deal with it, and quit whining you crybabies.
Reply to Eggy
During Japanese rule in Korea, the Japanese forced Koreans to worship at (Japanese) shrines, and if they did not accept, they were killed. This is a very sensitive and painful subject in Korea today, just like the Holocaust.
Reply to o
Korean propaganda education
Reply to o
it’s a videogame bro.
there was a similar shrine that came with the asian world in sims 2 bon voyage.
none complained back then….
Reply to jaks
That is because social media was not worldwide.
Reply to o
But it’s a religion that existed before these crimes and it’s a religion that is still very close to Japanese people these days. You cannot just erase that. That’d be insensitive as well.
Reply to o
So did Christians to POC folk. Yet, we have Christmas-themed content.
Reply to Kai Chen
It’s not called Christmas in the game for a reason. It’s called Winterfest. And there is no Santa, there’s father winter. See? So no, us Christians are not getting our religious beliefs celebrated by the game. Also, where is Jesus? I bet if you had put Jesus in the game the entire community would flip. So why is it ok to put a religious shrine?
Reply to Kai Chen
Christmas is not Christian. It is germany who first started christmas.
Seeing people complain over other people complaining is always a fun thing (sarcasm). It’s not like they’re demanding you to not buy the pack. It’s literally only two things that are the issue, one of which is easily fixable (the lantern) and the other may just need an explanation, at the least, or a change in simulated interaction, at most.
Reply to SpaceT
And nobody’s forcing you to buy the pack, if you find the content not to your liking. You’re now complaining, that I am complaining that people are complaining. What is wrong with you? I’m just stating my opinion, and you’re acting like an entitled piece of crap, and whining, and thrashing around just because someone has a different opinion than you. And EA ain’t gonna change anything, just because you’re butthurt.
Reply to Eggy
Someone needs a nap lol You’re the only one here that’s having a rage fit. Also, butthurt? It’s not 2009 anymore, buddy.
Reply to SpaceT
I see. Further discussion is pointless then. You are the worst kind of person. And I don’t have a rage fit. I’m just pointing out your illogical behaviour. Also, I’m 32, so PARDON me, if I’m a little rusty with the slang. Way to ridicule someones not up to date vernacular. Are you proud of yourself, you piece of shit? Fuck you.
Reply to SpaceT
Seeing people complain about people complaining about people complaining is even more fun.
Reply to Drakensturm
says the person complaining about me complaining lol jk
Agreed. As for the flag:
http://murawaki.org/misc/flag.html
I feel many of the comments left here are very troubling. Before judging the concerns of the simmers from South Korea, you should do some general research into their concerns. It’s easy to rush to a conclusion without having some knowledge to better understand where their concerns are coming from.
Since this pack has a specific emphasis on having an immersive cultural experience, the dev team selected actions inspired by Japanese culture with origins that can be considered as triggering for some players. If anything this shows they really need to employ more people within their dev team that represent more cultures. I do hope the interaction isn’t what it seems, but if it is, I hope it is addressed before the pack is released.
Reply to Bloop
welp, there are Koreans who are speaking out against the ridiculousness of the issues that are being raised too.
Reply to Bloop
It’s very racist saying Japanese religion is triggering. What if you said the same about Muslims?
Reply to Kai Chen
Unfortunately to a lot of people and culture, muslims and their religion do trigger them.
Reply to Y
We call those people racists.
Reply to Y
like that guy Samuel from France, eh?
Reply to thetruth
Trying to conflate extremist terrorism with an entire religion and it’s practioners is bigotry in its own right.
as a korean I feel so embarrassed. I’ve already pre-ordered it but kinda worried if EA never releases this pack in korea because of this. please just ignore these whinings
Reply to Vec
don’t pretend to be korean. you’re clearly NOT korean if you weren’t offended by the shrine worship interaction.
Reply to o
lol then think as you want, I don’t really care. but in case I need to make it clear that my parents are 100% korean, not japanese 😉 and next time, please don’t serch information on Naver or Youtube.
Reply to o
everyone i disagree with is just pretending to be korean
Reply to Vec
I am glad you are able to voice your opinion. Ignore what mean people are saying.
Maybe because 90% of Poles are racist, sexist and homophobic, and don’t see a problem with that. And also have an obsession with Nazi Germany and WW2. It’s 2020, get over it!
Yes, I’m Polish too, and I’m ashamed of those people.
During Japanese rule in Korea, the Japanese forced Koreans to worship at (Japanese) shrines, and if they did not accept, they were killed. This is a very sensitive and painful subject in Korea today, just like the Holocaust.
Reply to o
Okay, but this world is heavily based on being a Japanese world, the name of the world is even Japanese. If it was a S. Korean world with shrines then you’d have a point, but… this just isn’t it lol.
Reply to Jey
Did we see churches in Selva Dorada? If they wanted to represent South American culture properly perhaps they should have included, but they didn’t. For a good reason. I’m a catholic Colombian and think it was the right call. There are so many other things about Japanese culture they could have done instead of this. I actually think it is pretty wrong to take complex things like that, including religion, and trivialize them like this is doing.
I’m korean and i cant understand what the hell this is wrong…..
Koreans just hate everything of japan so deleting shrine content is just meaningless.
They ‘never’ be satisfied unless the game release is canceled. Maybe most of them never played SIMS.
Reply to aa
you’re actually correct, half of them are not even simmers. they just hates everything if it’s about japan. not ALL koreans hates japanese. I’m really sad this is happening.
Reply to aa
This is kinda generalizing…
Reply to aa
we’re gonna end up with an EP with zero content because EA had to delete it to appease the south koreans. jesus helps us.
Reply to deri
lol I needed that laugh after reading these comments
Reply to deri
We are going to get zero contents cuz of koreans .
Finally an EP that i’m actually excited about and now y’all are gonna make EA delete everything you find “offensive” until there’s nothing left in the pack. Jeez everyone is so sensitive these days. Every religion has gone through the phase of forcing everyone to worship their god or whatever.. If this is the case then everything that represents Christianity and Islam are offensive too. I’m very much offended.
Reply to Reito
Yo for real. The reason we don’t have burglars in Sims 4 is because people get triggered by them. It’s lessen the gameplay.
It’s a world HEAVILY inspired by Japan. Japan has shrines. The name of the world is even Japanese. I’m… having a hard time understanding this. To me it just seems more like nationalistic S. Koreans are upset that it’s Japanese-themed.
Reply to Jey
You know ..Koreans have their own shrine curture and motion is just 100% same as game. Lmao. They are just upset cuz it is not korean pack and japanese pack.
Reply to dorm
correct.
Okay, so here is a short history lesson for everyone who thinks that appearance of shrines in this expansion pack is racist:
Shrines are the biggest symbol of Shinto, a very, very old Japanese native religion. Shrines were used for kami (animistic spirits and deities) worship, way before clashes between Japan and Korea.
So, please, before jumping on the ‘let’s judge this expansion pack based on what we read online’ train, try to inform yourselves about histories of Japan and Korea.
Reply to Japanology student
#CancelSouthKorea
I can’t speak of what is offensive or not for Asian people, but I don’t understand why they had to put a shrine in it. To me it raises many questions. There is no religions in the sims. There isn’t any churches, temples or mosques, sims don’t have sacred books or interactions. The only explanation I see to making this shine functional & part of the trailer is occidental EA being like “ok… what do we know about Asian people…. They have this ‘zen’ thing going on… they have pretty mountains… oh and they have a funny way of praying too”
I get why the shrine would be put in the game as a decor item, like there already is religious decor item in the game, as people who practice that religion should be able to represent their culture in their game. However, why making a big deal out of it by putting it in the trailer, I don’t get.
Also, as an African, I pray EA NEVER makes an African themed packs, we’re gonna end up with tribal tattoos, piercings, animal-skin clothes and pagan totems (but they seem to think Africa stops at the Sahara so fortunately it’ll never happen)…
Reply to The Swan
sism 4 season: menorah-kinara candle, christmas tree, Father winter, flower Bunny, Attend Holiday Ceremony.. all of them are represent faith or culture one or more way… so what we are talking about?
In my eyes a japan shire not better or worse than a candle or a christmas tree to be honest ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
But no one makes that Korean worship that house. Lay simply somewhere in the garden. Build a fence around it so that no one goes there. The Japanese will worship their house if they want to. This is how we can find a place in the history of any nation.
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