Forza Horizon 6 is finally official, and yes, it’s heading where fans have been begging it to go for years: Japan. The game was revealed during Xbox’s event at Tokyo Game Show 2025, confirming a 2026 launch on Xbox Series X|S. And perhaps best of all? It’ll be available day one on Xbox Game Pass.
A reveal trailer gave us a quick yet stunning look at the franchise’s latest open-world setting, including a glimpse at the towering skyline of Tokyo City. As expected, Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be the series’ most ambitious entry yet, and developer Playground Games is eager to prove that this setting is more than just fanservice.
Welcome to the Horizon Festival: Japan Edition
The game’s official description invites players to “discover the breathtaking landscapes of Japan and become a racing legend at the Horizon Festival.” For longtime fans of the franchise, this isn’t just a flashy new map: it’s a cultural celebration backed by years of experience and feedback-driven development.
According to a new post on Xbox Wire, Japan was chosen not only because it topped players’ wishlists, but also because the development team finally felt they could accurately represent the country’s complex terrain and unique driving atmosphere.
Why Japan? And why now?
Art Director Don Arceta explained that the decision to bring the series to Japan wasn’t taken lightly. “The beauty of Horizon games is that each one gives us learnings and ways to make the next even bigger and better,” he said. “While fans have been asking for this location for a long time, it was important to us to acknowledge the love and reverence we have for Japan and its unique culture.”
The team’s work on the Forza Horizon 5 Hot Wheels DLC — which introduced elevated, high-speed tracks — helped pave the way for recreating Tokyo City’s layered layout. Arceta suggested that players can expect one of the most visually detailed and vertically dynamic urban environments the series has ever seen.
Tokyo Dreams and Cultural Nuance
Playground Games promises that Tokyo City will feature high levels of environmental detail, but, as with previous games, the in-game world won’t try to mimic Japan 1:1. Instead, the developers are creating an experience that fuses beloved real-world landmarks and landscapes with gameplay-first design.
Seasons — a fan-favourite feature introduced in Forza Horizon 4 — are also making a comeback, but this time, with a more emotional and sensory spin. Rather than just changing the vibe visually, seasons will also affect gameplay tone, in-game activities, and even audio design.
“For Japan, seasonal changes have a dramatic impact on the landscape and playable world, but also hold a deeper cultural meaning for the country and its culture,” the team explained.
Expect a showcase of Japanese Car Culture
Of course, what would a game set in Japan be without its deep-rooted car culture? Forza Horizon 6 plans to deliver a wide variety of vehicles — from globally recognised classics to lesser-known icons of the Japanese automotive world. It’ll be more than just drifting neon-lit highways; expect an homage to everything that makes Japan a motorhead’s paradise.
When will we see real gameplay?
If you’re itching to see Japan in motion, you’ll need some patience. Playground Games has confirmed that gameplay reveals are planned for early 2026. While there are no specifics yet, an appearance during the Xbox Developer Direct in January 2026 seems highly likely.
Until then, fans can wishlist Forza Horizon 6 on the Microsoft Store and Steam, and savor the teaser trailer, which already has us dreaming of Tokyo drifts, mountain passes, sakura-lined roads, and all the gorgeous vistas Japan has to offer.
The road to 2026 starts now
To recap: Forza Horizon 6 is taking fans to Japan in style. With Tokyo City as a highlight, changing seasons that go beyond aesthetics, and a celebration of Japan’s unique automotive culture, this is anything but just another sequel.
The Horizon Festival is about to light up the streets of Japan. Start your engines: 2026 is going to be wild.