It’s finally happening. After years of fan requests, Playground Games has confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 is set in Japan, launching in 2026. The reveal came during Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2025 with a cinematic teaser packed with Easter eggs from past games, capped off by our first glimpse of neon-lit streets, mountain passes, and the shadow of Mount Fuji.
Of course, a teaser only fuels more questions. Luckily, we’ve got answers straight from Playground’s Art Director Don Arceta and Cultural Consultant Kyoko Yamashita, who shared why Japan was the obvious next step for Horizon and how the team is making sure it feels authentically Japanese.
Why Japan?
Fans have wanted it for years, and Arceta says the timing is finally right:
“Japan has such a unique culture – from cars, to music, to fashion – that make it perfect for the next Horizon setting,” he explains. “Now we can represent it properly, and we want to do it justice.”
Technical advances also help. The team’s work on Forza Horizon 5 (and even its Hot Wheels DLC) gave them the tools to create Tokyo’s elevated highways and sprawling cityscapes without compromise.
Yamashita adds that Japan’s blend of old and new makes it an irresistible canvas: shrines tucked next to neon arcades, quiet neighborhoods humming beside skyscrapers. “There is so much scope and inspiration,” she says.
Building a World That Feels Real
Horizon maps have always been more “spirit of the country” than one-to-one recreation. With Japan, that means a mix of:
- Tokyo City – the biggest and most detailed urban playground in the series yet
- Mount Fuji and mountain passes – drifting fans, you know what’s coming
- Serene countryside and rural towns – a counterpoint to the chaos of the city
Research trips were key. Many of the devs visited Japan for the first time during development, and Yamashita guided them to see beyond the obvious. “It’s organized chaos with surprising calm,” she says. That attention to everyday detail-even the sound of a train chime at dusk-feeds directly into how the world feels.
Car Culture Front and Centre
You can’t set a Horizon game in Japan without leaning into its legendary car culture. While specifics are still under wraps, Arceta promises a broad lineup of fan favourites, with plenty of local flavour. Yamashita points to the “depth and diversity” of Japan’s scene: kei cars, drifting, high-precision motorsport, and obsessive customization communities. Horizon 6 will celebrate all of it.
Seasons That Matter
Seasons return, but this time they’re tied more deeply to Japan’s identity. Expect sweltering summers, snowy winters, and, yes, cherry blossoms in spring. The changes go beyond visuals-seasonal audio, atmosphere, and events will shift how the world feels as you drive through it.
When Can We Play?
For now, we’ve only seen a cinematic teaser. Playground Games says full gameplay reveals will arrive in early 2026, so keep your eyes on Forza’s official channels.