Forza Horizon 6: Japan Beckons—A Deep Dive Into the Next Horizon

Unmistakable Clue: A Deleted Instagram Post Fuels Japan Speculation

A now-deleted Instagram post from Australian car importer Cult & Classic has ignited strong speculation regarding the setting of Forza Horizon 6. The company shared a photo of a Playground Games developer “shooting cars for the next installment in the series,” featuring Japanese Kei cars—compact, micro-designed vehicles almost exclusively found in Japan. The post noted that these cars are “not found in America,” implying an intentional move toward Japan’s unique automotive culture. 

That such rare JDM vehicles were chosen reinforces the possibility that Japan is the next backdrop for the Horizon Festival—especially since Keis are seldom exported and hold distinct cultural relevance. 

Industry Hints Align: Phil Spencer and a 2026 Release Window

This tangible leak aligns with prior hints from Phil Spencer, who indicated a brand-new Forza title could release in 2026, coinciding with Xbox’s 25th anniversary and alongside other major franchises like Fable and Gears of War: E-Day. 

Community Buzz: Japan Has Long Been the Dream Horizon Destination

The Horizon community has long clamored for a Japanese setting—one rich with diverse geography, culture, and racing lore. In forums like Reddit’s r/pcgaming, fans responded with overwhelming excitement:

“I wonder how they’ll do it though… Japan is extremely mountainous.”
“I would absolutely love if they stopped being flat and with such wide roads.”
“Japan has been rumored since FH4 lol.”

Japan offers a compelling landscape: towering mountains, neon-lit urban jungles, coastal roads, and subtle countryside—all ingredients for Horizon’s evolving festival map.

Deeper Look: Why Japan Makes Sense for Horizon 6

1. Keis Are a Cultural Icon

Kei cars like the 2020 Suzuki Every PZ Turbo Special are the heart of Japanese micro-mobility. If the developers went out of their way to capture them—especially overseas—it signals a deeper narrative intent toward authenticity rather than mere DLC assets.

2. A Natural Evolution of Series Settings

The Horizon series has steadily traveled:

• FH1 — Colorado, USA

• FH2 — France & Italy

• FH3 — Australia

• FH4 — United Kingdom

• FH5 — Mexico
  Each transition brought geographic variety, and Japan stands out as a culturally vibrant, visually distinct next step. 

3. Community Demand Meets Developer Design

Fans have speculated Japan since at least FH4—and the recent Kei car scanning follows a pattern where car pack DLCs (Australia, UK, Mexico) foreshadowed subsequent game locales. 

4. Release Timeline Lines Up

Phil Spencer’s tease of a 2026 release, coupled with developer activity captured via Cult & Classic, suggests we may not be waiting long to see these landscapes brought to life.

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Anticipated Features & Landscape of Japan In Horizon Festival

A. Scenic and Geographically Diverse Map

Expect a sweeping open world that blends:

• Chaotic urban sprawl (think Tokyo glow and neon turn-ins)

• Mountain racing routes around Mt. Fuji or the Japanese Alps

• Rural countryside with winding roads, quaint towns, and coastal views

B. Authentic Japanese Car Culture Integration

• Full representation of Kei car customizations—tuning, wraps, and handling

• Expanded JDM car roster and exclusive festival events celebrating Japanese driving traditions

C. Story, Festival, and Mode Potential

• Unique narrative arcs drawn from Japanese motorsport culture

• Seasonal events inspired by cherry blossoms, autumn leaves (koyo), and festival landscapes

• Possible inclusion of left-side driving areas, a nod to domestic Japanese traffic norms

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In Summary

• An inadvertent leak via Cult & Classic reveals developers scanning Japanese Kei cars, fueling speculation Japan is the setting for Forza Horizon 6 .

• Previous hints from Phil Spencer about a new Forza launching in 2026 reinforce the timeline 

• Japan has long been a community mileage dream—something now backed by credible hints 

• If confirmed, Japan promises a visually and culturally rich evolution for the Horizon Festival.

This could very well be the most breathtaking and diversified location yet—a festival across neon streets, coastal roads, and alpine trails.

Let the countdown to horizon expansion in the Land of the Rising Sun begin.