Recently, following the release of Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the character models of the two main female protagonists, Izumo no Okuni and Shizuka Gozen, have sparked heated discussion both domestically and internationally, with players holding polarized views.
Shizuka Gozen is listed among the three great beauties of ancient Japan in legend. She was the concubine of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and a classic representative of the "Yamato Nadeshiko" ideal. Izumo no Okuni is regarded as the founder of Kabuki theater. Both are well-known female figures who frequently appear in Japanese literary and artistic works. However, their character designs in this game differ significantly from the attractive appearances seen in other anime and games.
Some players bluntly expressed their dissatisfaction, complaining that Shizuka Gozen looks like a middle-aged woman and that Izumo no Okuni's design is too plain, lacking the aura of a legendary beauty. Many hope that PC mods will be released to enhance their appearances. Others hold the opposite view, arguing that the game's overall art style leans towards historical realism, deliberately avoiding the overly beautified anime-style filters. Women from the lower classes during the Sengoku and Heian periods would not have had exquisite and glamorous appearances; their rough features and weathered facial details fit the game's serious and realistic atmosphere. They believe it is unfair to judge this title by the aesthetic standards of entertainment-focused adaptations. Some players also mentioned that character stories and acting are the core elements, while appearance is secondary.
In addition to the facial modeling, some players have pointed out that the facial expressions and motion capture accuracy of the two characters in certain cutscenes lag behind those of the protagonist, Miyamoto Musashi, with less variation in their demeanor.