Microsoft has finally confirmed the rumors — Forza Horizon 6 is real, and it’s coming in 2026 with Japan as its setting. The reveal took place at the Tokyo Game Show during Xbox’s live briefing, marking one of the most exciting announcements in racing game history.
Fans have long requested Japan as a Horizon location, and Playground Games is ready to deliver. From Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to the mountain passes beneath Mount Fuji, Forza Horizon 6 promises a fresh open-world racing experience that blends authentic Japanese culture with the franchise’s trademark gameplay.
A Teaser That Focused on Setting
The reveal trailer didn’t show gameplay, which disappointed some fans. Instead, it leaned heavily into the setting. The camera panned across a workshop filled with license plates from past Horizon locations, before stopping at a window that revealed Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms.
While no racing action was shown, the teaser made one thing clear: the Horizon Festival is heading to Japan.
Why Japan Was Chosen
In an Xbox Wire blog post, Art Director Don Arceta explained the decision. He described Japan’s culture as a perfect fit for Horizon, citing its iconic cars, fashion, music, and landscapes. After building five Horizon titles, the team feels confident in creating a world that captures Japan’s energy while respecting its authenticity.
Locations in Forza Horizon 6
Playground Games is being secretive, but it confirmed a few areas:
- Tokyo – The heart of Japan’s car culture. Expect neon-lit highways and street racing vibes.
- Countryside – Peaceful rural areas for scenic drives.
- Mountain Roads – Winding touge routes designed for drift battles.
Fans hope for more locations like Osaka, Kyoto, and coastal highways, but those details remain unconfirmed.
Focus on Japanese Car Culture
Forza Horizon is all about celebrating cars, and Japan provides one of the richest car cultures in the world. Expect to see legendary JDM icons such as the Toyota Supra, Nissan GT-R, Mazda RX-7, and Honda NSX.
Playground has promised that Japanese car culture — from drift scenes to car meets — will play a central role in the game.
Seasons Return
Dynamic seasons, which first appeared in Horizon 4, are officially returning. Players will once again experience spring cherry blossoms, rainy summers, colorful autumns, and snowy winters in the Japanese landscape. These seasons won’t just look beautiful — they’ll affect gameplay and driving conditions as well.
Platform Questions
Forza Horizon games have traditionally launched on Xbox and PC, but that might change. Earlier this year, Forza Horizon 5 was released on PS5, breaking exclusivity expectations.
While Horizon 6 will launch first on Xbox and PC in 2026, Microsoft hasn’t ruled out bringing it to PlayStation later. That possibility could make Horizon 6 one of the most widely played racing games ever.
What Fans Think
Reactions are mixed but mostly positive. Fans are thrilled about the Japan setting, which has been one of the most requested locations for years. However, some are disappointed by the lack of gameplay in the teaser.
Given the 2026 release window, Playground has plenty of time to showcase cars, races, and features. Expectations are high, but the franchise’s strong track record gives players confidence.
Forza Horizon 6 Release Date
Microsoft confirmed a 2026 release year, though an exact month hasn’t been shared. More gameplay and details are expected to be revealed throughout 2025 as the game gets closer to launch.
Forza Horizon 6 in Japan could be the most exciting entry yet. The location offers everything — stunning landscapes, iconic cars, and a rich automotive culture. Add in the return of dynamic seasons and the potential for cross-platform release, and the game is shaping up to be a major event for racing fans worldwide.
For now, all we can do is rewatch the teaser, dream of racing beneath cherry blossoms, and wait for Playground Games to show us more.
Wow