Microsoft and Playground Games have confirmed that “Forza Horizon 6” will take the racing festival to Japan in 2026, fulfilling years of fan requests for a high-octane adventure through the country’s bustling cities and scenic countryside. The announcement, revealed during the Xbox showcase at the Tokyo Game Show, promises a vibrant open world blending Tokyo’s neon streets with rural wonders like Mount Fuji, all wrapped in the series’ signature mix of speed and exploration.
The teaser trailer, shared on Xbox’s official channels, opens with a dramatic flyover of Tokyo City at night, its towering skyscrapers glowing under colorful lights, before cutting to winding mountain roads and cherry blossom-lined highways.
“The Horizon Festival is heading to Japan,” the caption reads, setting the stage for a 2026 launch on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Steam, with PlayStation 5 getting a version later in the year through collaboration with Turn 10 Studios.
This marks the first time a Forza Horizon game will expand to PlayStation post-launch, broadening its reach beyond Xbox.
Japan has topped fan wish lists since the series began in 2012, drawn by its rich car culture—from modified street racers and drift cars to precision-tuned imports. Playground Games’ art director, Don Arceta, told Xbox Wire that the setting captures “the depth and diversity” of Japanese vehicles, music, and fashion, with seasonal changes returning to transform the landscape from snowy peaks to blooming springs.
Cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita added that the game honors Japan’s welcoming enthusiasm for all levels of car lovers, featuring everything from tiny kei cars to high-performance JDM icons.
The series, known for its massive open worlds and hundreds of licensed cars, has sold over 40 million copies since Forza Horizon 1. Horizon 5, set in Mexico, hit 10 million players in its first week and remains a staple on Game Pass.
Horizon 6 will continue that tradition, emphasizing dynamic weather, custom events, and a story where players rise from street racer to festival legend.
More details are coming in early 2026, but the reveal has already ignited forums like Reddit’s r/Forza, where fans speculate on drift-friendly tracks and urban chases. One excited player posted, “Japan’s been the dream—finally, B-roads with Mount Fuji views!” With no price announced yet—likely $59.99 like past entries—pre-wishlisting is open on Xbox and Steam.
This Japan-bound entry arrives amid a packed 2026 for Xbox, alongside “Gears of War: E-Day” and a “Halo” remaster.
Playground Games, fresh off Fable’s development, promises a world “you’ll fall in love with,” blending breathtaking drives with cultural depth. Gear up—Hyrule’s wait is over; now it’s time to conquer Japan’s asphalt empire.
