Forza Horizon is finally making the long-awaited trip to Japan. Microsoft confirmed during the Tokyo Game Show 2025 that Forza Horizon 6 will be the next entry in the open-world racing franchise, arriving in 2026. The reveal ended years of speculation, giving fans a first glimpse of cherry blossoms, Tokyo’s bustling highways, and the iconic Mount Fuji.
A New Horizon in Japan
The teaser shown at TGS 2025 leaned heavily into nostalgia. Players saw nods to past Horizon titles – license plates, festival memorabilia – before the camera panned to Japan’s most famous peak. Cherry blossoms framed the shot, and the screen locked in the setting fans have begged for since the very first game launched in 2012.
Playground Games, the studio behind the series, is once again leading development. According to Xbox, more information about the game will arrive in early 2026.
What the Map Includes
Art director Don Arceta, along with cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita, confirmed some of the details fans can expect. Tokyo will feature prominently, complete with its winding elevated highways perfect for high-speed runs. Beyond the city limits, rural Japan will open up with mountain roads designed for drifting, and Mount Fuji will serve as a centerpiece of the map.
Japanese car culture will play a major role. Kei cars, vans, motorsport traditions, and extensive customization are all making their way into the experience. Seasonal changes, introduced in Forza Horizon 4 and refined in Horizon 5, will return as well.
Release Timeline and Platforms
Forza Horizon 6 is set to launch in 2026, marking the longest gap between entries. Forza Horizon 5 released back in 2021 and has been supported for years while Playground Games also focused on the upcoming Fable reboot.
The new Horizon will release first on Xbox Series X|S and PC. A PlayStation 5 version will follow after the initial launch window. This mirrors how Forza Horizon 5 eventually made its way beyond the Xbox ecosystem.
Why Japan Matters
Fans have been asking for Japan for more than a decade, and with good reason. The country’s mix of dense urban environments, mountainous countryside, and a car culture that celebrates everything from drifting to tuning makes it a natural fit for Horizon’s open-world style.
Xbox also has a strategic reason for the choice. Setting the game in Japan strengthens Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to win over Japanese players and highlight the region’s automotive heritage to a global audience. At TGS, the company doubled down by showcasing other Japan-inspired content across its portfolio.
watch official teaser trailer below
Horizon’s Ongoing Legacy
What began as a spinoff of Forza Motorsport in 2012 has now become one of Xbox’s biggest franchises. Over the years, players have raced through Colorado, Europe, Australia, Britain, and Mexico. Each game raised the bar for open-world racing, but Japan has always been the dream destination.
Now, with Forza Horizon 6, that dream is finally becoming reality.
FAQs
Q. When is Forza Horizon 6 releasing?
The game is set to launch in 2026, with Xbox Series X|S and PC players getting access first. A PlayStation 5 release will follow later.
Q. Where will Forza Horizon 6 be set?
The game takes place in Japan, including Tokyo’s highways, rural landscapes, and Mount Fuji. Drifting culture, Kei cars, and seasonal weather will be key features.
Q. Why is Japan such a big deal for fans?
Since the beginning of the series, Japan has been one of the most requested locations. Its car culture and diverse geography make it perfect for Horizon’s open-world racing style.
What’s Next
We’ve still only seen a glimpse of what Forza Horizon 6 will bring, but the wait won’t be too long. Playground Games is expected to share more details in early 2026, so fans should keep an eye out for the first proper look at Japan’s streets and mountain roads.
