You’re probably here because you’re stuck in the Firearm District or you’re wondering why on earth the name "Sakai" keeps popping up in a game that’s definitely not Ghost of Tsushima. It’s a bit of a trip, honestly. When Ubisoft first dropped the news about Assassin's Creed Shadows, the internet basically imploded. Most of that noise was about Yasuke, the African samurai, but once players actually got their hands on the game in early 2025, a different kind of "Sakai" search started trending.
People aren't just looking for the city; they're looking for answers.
The Sakai Connection: It’s a Place, Not a Clan
Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way. If you’re searching for Jin Sakai or his family’s ancestral home, you’ve taken a wrong turn at the Sengoku period. Assassin's Creed Shadows takes place in the late 16th century—roughly 300 years after the Mongol invasions.
The "Sakai" everyone is talking about in this game is the city of Sakai. Back then, it was basically the Venice of Japan. It was a massive, wealthy trading port near modern-day Osaka. Because it was so rich, it was one of the few places in Japan that functioned as a "free city," run by a council of wealthy merchants rather than a single warlord.
The Mission: Searching Sakai
In the game, "Searching Sakai" is a pivotal Act 1 story quest for Naoe. You’re not just sightseeing. After the events of The Onryo Samurai, Naoe is hunting down a woman she calls "The Golden Teppo"—a mysterious figure who shot her with a gilded gun.
Naoe’s quest takes her into the heart of the city's Firearm District. This makes total sense historically, by the way. Sakai was the center of gunpowder and matchlock (teppo) production in Japan. If you wanted a fancy gun in the 1580s, you went to Sakai.
Tracking Down the Gunsmiths
Once you hit the city, the game stops holding your hand a bit. You’ve gotta use your Scouts or the "Observe" tool to find three specific gunsmiths. They’re tucked away in the eastern part of the Firearm District.
Most players get hung up on the fourth gunsmith. You can't just walk up and talk to him; you have to eavesdrop. He’s hiding in an alleyway talking to two shady-looking dudes. If you rush in, you’ll blow the cover. You’ve gotta crouch behind the crates and listen until the objective updates.
That "Son or Daughter" Choice: Does It Matter?
This is the part that’s been clogging up message boards. During the quest, you confront a couple of bandits—Asajiro and Yakichi—to get some counterfeit contracts. They’ll grill you about your connection to Imai Sokyu, a real historical merchant who appears in the game.
They ask if you’re with Sokyu’s son or his daughter. Honestly? It doesn't matter.
- If you say "Son": One bandit gets a little more relaxed, but the other one still demands a bribe.
- If you say "Daughter": Asajiro actually calls you out, saying Sokyu doesn't have a daughter.
- The "Pro" Choice: Just say "My name is not important."
Whatever you pick, the conversation almost always ends in a fight. You’ll end up chasing them down to grab those papers anyway. It’s one of those classic RPG moments where the game gives you the illusion of choice, but the "canon" path is basically just a brawl in the street.
Finding Imai Sokyu
After the fight, you have to find Sokyu’s house. He’s in the Money Changer District (the southwestern part of town). Look for the houses with white laundry hanging out front. It’s the second house from the bridge.
You won’t find the old man himself right away; you’ll meet his son, Sokun. This leads into a whole sequence where Naoe has to go undercover, which involves getting a specific dress and—wait for it—learning tea ceremony etiquette. It’s a sharp left turn from the usual stabbing, but it’s a cool nod to how much the tea culture influenced Sakai’s elite.
The Historical Reality vs. The Game
Ubisoft actually did their homework here. Sakai was a madhouse during this era. There are real records from the Jesuit missionary Luís Fróis (who also appears in the game) stating that when Yasuke first arrived in Sakai, the crowds were so massive they literally broke down buildings trying to get a look at him.
The game portrays Sakai as a sprawling, vertical maze of markets and rooftops, which is a perfect playground for Naoe’s parkour. It captures that "edge of the world" feeling where merchants from Portugal, China, and the rest of Japan all collided.
Actionable Tips for Navigating Sakai
If you're currently running around the city feeling lost, here is the quick-and-dirty way to clear the quest:
- Use Guided Exploration: If you hate the "search the blue circle" mechanic, toggle Guided Mode in the settings. It’ll put a waypoint directly on the gunsmiths.
- Scout the Rooftops First: Sakai is dense. Instead of running through the streets where guards are everywhere, stay on the tile roofs. You can use Naoe’s grappling hook to cross the main canals without getting wet.
- Don't Waste Mon on Bribes: The bandits are going to turn on you regardless of what you say or pay. Save your Mon for gear upgrades later in the act.
- Check the "Observe" Tool: When you’re near the gunsmiths, use Observe. They’ll show up as blue orbs through walls. It saves a ton of time.
Sakai is easily one of the most atmospheric hubs in AC Shadows. It’s less about the combat and more about the "social stealth" that the series had been missing for a while. Just remember: it’s a city of merchants. Everyone has a price, and almost everyone is lying to you.
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Next Steps for Your Playthrough: Now that you've secured the contracts in Sakai, you should focus on upgrading your Kusarigama skills. The upcoming "Tea Ceremony" infiltration mission requires high agility to escape if your cover is blown, and the Kusarigama’s sweeping attacks are perfect for crowd control in Sakai's narrow alleyways. Keep an eye out for the "Golden Teppo" clues in your inventory; they reveal the woman's true identity before the mid-game twist.