If you've played Ghost of Tsushima, you're probably wondering - 'is Tsushima Island a real place?' Discover the truth about Tsushima Island and unravel the mysteries and legends surrounding Tsushima, and find out if this mythical gem truly exists in reality.
Tsushima Island is a real place located in the Korea Strait between Japan and South Korea. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful scenery, rich history, and unique culture.
The island is also the setting for the popular video game Ghost of Tsushima.
This article will explore the history of Tsushima Island, its culture, and its significance in Japanese history.
It will also discuss the accuracy of the video game Ghost of Tsushima in its depiction of the island.
Ghost of Tsushima is an adventure and action based game of 2020 by Suker Punch Productions.
This game follows a fictional storyline, but surprisingly its setting is almost similar to a real island named Tsushima.
- Related: Uninhabited Islands in Japan
Is Tsushima Island a Real Place
Yes, Tsushima Island is a real place. It is an island in the Sea of Japan, located halfway between Kyushu, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula. It is the closest Japanese territory to the Korean Peninsula, and has a long history of trade and cultural exchange between the two countries.
The island is also known for its natural beauty, including its rugged coastline, lush forests, and abundant wildlife.
The island is home to a population of about 30,000 people, and its economy is based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
Tsushima is a popular destination for Japanese and South Korean tourists, who come to enjoy the island's natural beauty, its historical sites, and its unique culture.
The island is also the setting of the video game "Ghost of Tsushima," which was released in 2020. The game is set during the Mongol invasion of Japan in the 13th century, and tells the story of a samurai who fights to defend the island from the invaders.
Tsushima Island is the closest region to the Korean Peninsula. In fact, it is closer to Korea's Busan than to Japan's mainland.
However, unfortunately, Tsushima's past is plagued by historical conflict.
Tsushima has gone through many turbulent events throughout history, starting with the Mongol invasion of Japan in the Edo era and, most recently, South Korea's claim to the island.
At present, this Tsushima Island is a part of Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan.
Nowadays, it has become a widespread holiday destination among South Korean tourists. They come here to explore the lush flora and fauna of the island.
Now that we have known about the island, it's time to learn about the game.
Ghost of Tsushima: Reality or Fabrication?
As I have said earlier, Ghost of Tsushima is a 2020 action and adventure-based game of Suker Punch Productions.
Though the game centers around some actual historical events, most of the characters and plot are entirely fictional.
The plot of the Ghost of Tsushima is based on thirteenth-century feudal Japan.
It follows the adventures of the last samurai on Tsushima, Jin Sakai. Here he needs to protect the island from Mongolian invaders while saving his uncle Lord Shimura and befriending other associates that he encounters throughout his journey.
Apart from presenting the island's history and side quests, this game also displays some of Tsushima's mind-blowing sights through its fight sequences and visual cutaways.
Players have to explore the new areas and find collectibles for 100% completion of the game.
For instance, this includes visiting all of the hot springs and shrines found in the Ghost of Tsushima's world.
So, from what I have discussed till now, we can be sure of the existence of Tsushima Island.
Some questions may arise in your mind at this moment.
Is Ghost of Tsushima based on a true story, or is it historically accurate?
Well, you can say on the one hand it is not entirely true, and on the other hand, it is not completely fictitious either.
How Does the Game Story Differ from the Original History?
Here I will discuss the three facts of the Ghost of Tsushima that are different from the real-life incidents.
1. Samurai Didn't Use Swords or Armor in the 13th-Century
Though samurai are widely known to be experts in wielding swords in popular culture, they didn't prefer swords at that time.
Many samurai used to fight with a bow and arrow while on horseback before using any kind of blade.
Besides, the plush shogun armor that comes into your imagination with the word samurai wasn't used at that time either.
Mongolians also preferred a bow and arrow to combat, but Ghost of Tsushima takes a lot of freedoms in terms of weapons.
2. No Single Person Stopped the Mongolian Invasion
In Ghost of Tsushima, Jin stands against the Mongolians and will likely find a way to repulse them by the end of the game.
However, in real life, no human similar to Jin exists.
Well after conquering Tsushima, the real Mongolian Army was defeated in Kyushu, Japan, by a hurricane in 1274. Another hurricane destroyed the attempt of their second invasion in 1281 too.
Jin is actually the personification of that hurricane, which was later mentioned as kamikaze, meaning Divine Wind.
Since then, kamikaze has been written mostly as a myth, though some modern scientists believe it really happened.
Giving rise to the controversy, director Nate Fox commented that the hero was not a hurricane; he was a man, and they truly acknowledged that change with his sword.
3. Ghost of Tsushima Characters Never Existed in History
At the initial battle for Tsushima, there was no one named Jin Sakai and his uncle, Lord Shimura. Both of the game characters are totally fictional.
Though the Sakai samurai clan had existed in real life for generations, it wasn't established until the 14th century.
And the Sakai clan had never been directed by a man named Jin.
Also, there was no existence of the Shimura Clan in Japan.
In reality, Kublai Khan led the Mongol Empire during the First Mongol Invasion of Japan.
Tsushima samurai were directed by the island's actual leaders, the So daimyo family, in the real world.
So, we have seen that some certain aspects of history have been bent for the sake of story-making in the game.
Right now, I am going to present the similarities and dissimilarities between the appearance of real Tsushima Island and the one that the Ghost of Tsushima displays.
Well, considering the overall appearance, you will find a notable difference.
When scrolling through images of Tsushima, I found out that it is not as colorful in real life as in the game.
Ghost of Tsushima represents the islands using all sorts of shades of red, green, yellow, and more, giving precise detail to the foliage.
However, the real island is immensely green and lush.
Well, it is understandable that the game wants to give players an aesthetically pleasing experience.
And that's why they concentrate on colorizing the place as much as possible.
So, it seems that Ghost of Tsushima's portraiture of the island of Tsushima is accurate to a great extent.
Okay, now be noted that some other places in the Ghost of Tsushima game, such as the golden forest or Mount Jogaku, don't exist in real life.
They are just two places that are present only in the game.
Interesting Facts About Tsushima Island
1. Tsushima Island is the closest Japanese territory to the Korean Peninsula.
2. The island has a long and rich history, dating back to the 7th century.
3. Tsushima Island has a blend of both Japanese and Korean cultures.
4. It's known for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and delicious food.
5. The video game Ghost of Tsushima is a critically acclaimed open-world action-adventure game that was released in 2020.
Can you go to Tsushima Island?
You can go to Tsushima island to visit. There are lots interesting activities in Tsushima to do as well. You can check out the Eboshidake Observatory, Miuda Beach, Kaneda Castle Ruins, Watatsumi Shrine,Tsushima Wildlife Conservation Center to name a few. To get to Tsushima island you can either take flight from Fukuoka airport or Nagasaki airport. There are also two ferries available from Hakata Ferry Terminal to Tsushima.
How to reach Tsushima Island?
You can either take a flight or ferry to reach Tsushima island depending on where you are. There are flights available to Tsushima island from Fukuoka airport and Nagasaki airport. It takes about 35 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take the ferry from Hakata Ferry Terminal in Fukuoka. There are two ferry rides from here you can choose from. If you’re in South Korea you can take the ferry from Busan to reach Tsushima island.
What To Do In Tsushima Island?
Komoda Beach
Komoda Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Japan, has been a famous tourist attraction of Tsushima Island.
Komoda was the first site where the initial invasion took place in real life.
And similarly, the game also starts at this historic location. Komoda Beach sets the thrilling battle sequence for the Battle of Komoda Beach in Ghost of Tsushima.
Now you will find a memorial here that is dedicated to those lost souls in the battle while defending Tsushima island.
Shrines and Mt Shirataki
Multiple shrines are scattered throughout Tsushima Island. Like real life, you will also find a number of shrines in the game that can be visited.
The renowned online news portal, Japan Today, states that Mt Shirataki of Tsushima has likely inspired visiting mountain shrines in Ghost of Tsushima.
If you love hiking, you can consider going there as this spot has become a popular tourist destination, particularly among hikers.
Despite the steep slopes on the trail, it will reward you with wonderful views.
This area has a unique ecosystem, where both continental and Japanese fauna coexists. In addition to that, it is also a designated natural monument.
Kaneda Fortress
After the defeat in the Silla–Tang alliance in 663, the Japanese nation had constructed a castle on Tsushima Island as the front line of defense.
This ancient castle was built on a mountain crest known as Mt. Joyama in 667.
More than 1,000 years later, the castle was rebuilt into a fortress, and huge gun emplacements were mounted on the eve of the Russo-Japanese War.
The ancient mountain fortress built by Japanese defenders and the modern fortress constructed just a century ago by the former Japanese Army, together are a designated special national historic site, where their extraordinary history unfolds.
You will also find Castle Kaneda in the Ghost of Tsushima, which is inspired by the real-life Kaneda Fortress.
Now you will only see the ruins of the fortress overtaken by greenery.
Tsushima Wildlife Conservation Center
The Saozaki Park-based Tsushima Wildlife Conservation Center was established to safeguard the critically endangered Tsushima leopard cat. These wildcats have reduced in numbers over the years because of habitat degradation and diseases. The purpose of the center is to keep the cats alive and prevent their extinction.
At the moment, the centre is breeding these cats in captivity. You can see these leopard cats playing and eating in their enclosures.
Open hours: Monday to Sunday; 10AM - 4:30PM
Address: 2956-5 Kamiagatamachi Sago, Tsushima, Nagasaki 817-1603, Japan
Location:
Conclusion
All this time, I have answered your question about whether Tsushima Island is a real place or not.
I also discussed the similarities and dissimilarities.
So, I hope this write-up will help you clear all the confusion regarding this topic.
Thanks for reading this article.
Tsushima Island: FAQs
Did the Mongols invade Tsushima in real life?
Yes, the Mongols invaded Tsushima in real life. In 1274, a Mongol fleet of 300 ships carrying 15,000 Mongol and Chinese soldiers invaded Tsushima Island.
The Japanese defenders were outnumbered and outgunned, but they fought bravely and managed to inflict heavy casualties on the Mongols. The Mongols eventually withdrew, but they vowed to return.
In 1281, the Mongols launched a second invasion of Japan. This time, they brought a much larger force, with over 140,000 soldiers.
The Mongols landed on Tsushima Island and quickly overwhelmed the Japanese defenders. However, the Mongols' progress was halted by a series of typhoons, which sank many of their ships and killed thousands of their soldiers.
The Mongols were forced to withdraw for a second time, and they never again attempted to invade Japan.
The Mongols' invasions of Japan were a major turning point in Japanese history. They helped to unify the Japanese people and to develop a strong national identity.
The invasions also led to the development of new military strategies and tactics, which would later be used to great effect in the Japanese conquest of Korea and China.
The Mongols' invasions of Japan are a reminder of the importance of geography in military strategy. The Japanese islands were well-defended by natural barriers, such as the sea and the mountains.
These barriers made it difficult for the Mongols to land their forces and to supply their armies. The typhoons that struck the Mongols' fleet in 1281 were a further reminder of the importance of the weather in military planning.
Was there a real battle of Tsushima?
Yes, there was a real Battle of Tsushima. It was fought on May 27–28, 1905, during the Russo-Japanese War. The battle was a decisive victory for the Japanese Navy, and it led to the end of the war.
The Russian fleet, led by Admiral Zinovy Rozhestvensky, had traveled over 18,000 nautical miles (33,000 km) to reach the Far East. The Japanese fleet, led by Admiral Heihachirō Tōgō, was waiting for them in the Tsushima Strait.
The battle began on May 27, and it lasted for two days. The Japanese ships were better equipped and more maneuverable than the Russian ships. They also had the advantage of surprise. The Russian ships were not expecting to encounter the Japanese fleet so far from home.
The Japanese ships inflicted heavy casualties on the Russian fleet. By the end of the battle, the Russian fleet had been decimated. Only a handful of ships escaped.
The Battle of Tsushima was a major turning point in the Russo-Japanese War. It led to the collapse of the Russian Baltic Fleet, and it forced Russia to sue for peace.
The Battle of Tsushima was also a major turning point in naval warfare. It was the first major naval battle fought entirely with modern, steel warships.
The battle showed the superiority of modern battleships over older wooden ships. It also showed the importance of naval intelligence and planning. The Japanese victory at Tsushima was a major factor in Japan's rise to power in the 20th century.
Was clan Sakai real?
Yes, the Sakai clan was a real samurai clan in Japan. They were one of the most powerful clans in the country, and they played a major role in Japanese history. The Sakai clan was founded in the 14th century, and they quickly rose to prominence.
They were known for their military prowess, and they were often called upon to defend Japan from foreign invaders.
The Sakai clan also played a major role in the development of Japanese culture. They were patrons of the arts, and they helped to spread Japanese culture throughout the world.
The Sakai clan continued to be a powerful force in Japanese society until the 19th century. They were eventually disbanded by the Meiji government, but they left a lasting legacy on Japanese history.
However, the Sakai clan that is featured in the video game Ghost of Tsushima is not entirely historically accurate.
The game's protagonist, Jin Sakai, is a fictional character, and the game's events do not accurately reflect the real-life events of the Mongol invasion of Tsushima.
Nevertheless, the game does a good job of capturing the spirit of the Sakai clan and the samurai culture of Japan.
Is Ghost of Tsushima historically accurate?
Ghost of Tsushima is a video game that takes place in Japan during the Mongol invasion of 1274. The game is largely historically accurate, but there are some liberties that were taken for the sake of gameplay and storytelling.
Here are some of the historical inaccuracies in Ghost of Tsushima:
- The game's protagonist, Jin Sakai, is a fictional character. There was no real-life samurai who fought against the Mongols in the way that Jin does.
- The game's depiction of the Mongol invasion is somewhat simplified. The Mongols were actually a much larger and more powerful force than they are portrayed as in the game.
- The game's combat system is not entirely realistic. It is designed to be fun and engaging, rather than historically accurate.
Despite these inaccuracies, Ghost of Tsushima is a great game that does a good job of capturing the spirit of Japan during the Mongol invasion.
The game's beautiful visuals, immersive gameplay, and compelling story make it a must-play for fans of samurai history and culture.
Here are some of the historical details that Ghost of Tsushima got right:
- The game accurately depicts the geography of Tsushima Island.
- The game accurately depicts the clothing and armor worn by the samurai and the Mongols.
- The game accurately depicts the weapons and tactics used by the samurai and the Mongols.
- The game accurately depicts the culture and customs of Japan during the Mongol invasion.
Overall, Ghost of Tsushima is a well-made game that does a good job of balancing historical accuracy with gameplay and storytelling. If you're a fan of samurai history or Japanese culture, then you'll definitely want to check out this game.
