Forza Horizon 6 Japan rumors are heating up, and the evidence is getting harder to ignore. After years of fans begging for a Japanese setting, multiple leaks and insider reports suggest we might finally get our wish – and sooner than expected.
The racing game community exploded with excitement after a now-deleted Instagram post seemingly confirmed that Playground Games is scanning Japanese Kei cars for their next project. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The Deleted Instagram Post That Started Everything
Australian car import company Cult & Classic accidentally spilled the beans with an Instagram story that quickly vanished. The post claimed they had “Cody here from Forza Horizon official shooting cars for the next installation in the series.”
Here’s where it gets interesting – the post specifically mentioned that since there are no late-model K cars in America, the developer flew out from the States to scan their vehicles. Kei cars are almost exclusively Japanese, making this a pretty strong hint about Forza Horizon 6’s setting.
The company even bragged about “making K cars accessible virtually for people that can’t have them IRL.” The quick deletion of this post only added fuel to the speculation fire.
Tokyo Game Show 2025: The Perfect Stage for a Japan Reveal
Multiple sources are now pointing to Tokyo Game Show 2025 as the likely announcement venue. Windows Central reports seeing internal documents suggesting Playground Games plans to reveal Forza Horizon 6 during the event, which runs from September 25-28.
Industry insider NateTheHate, known for accurate gaming leaks, backs up these claims. He states that Microsoft and Playground Games intend to showcase Forza Horizon 6 Japan at TGS, making it the perfect setting for such an announcement.
This year’s Tokyo Game Show is set to be the largest in the event’s history, and Xbox has already confirmed they’ll be attending with announcements planned. Choosing TGS over Western gaming events like Gamescom only makes sense if the game is actually set in Japan.
Why Japan Makes Perfect Sense for Forza Horizon
Japan has topped fan wishlist polls for Forza Horizon locations since the series began. The country offers incredible diversity – from Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to Mount Fuji’s scenic routes, from traditional villages to modern highways.
Japan’s car culture is legendary. Home to iconic brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Subaru, plus the birthplace of drifting and tuner culture, it’s a racing enthusiast’s dream location. The inclusion of Kei cars would add a unique flavor that no other Forza Horizon game has explored.
Previous entries visited Australia, Southern France, Northern England, and Mexico. Japan would represent the series’ first Asian setting and potentially its most requested location ever.
Development Timeline and Platform Availability
Xbox boss Phil Spencer recently confirmed that the next Forza game will arrive in 2026. Given that Forza Horizon 5 launched in 2021, this would mark the longest gap between series entries.
Job listings from May 2022 show Playground Games was already seeking level designers for an upcoming AAA Forza Horizon title, indicating development has been underway for at least three years.
Platform-wise, Forza Horizon 6 will definitely come to Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass on day one. Given Forza Horizon 5’s massive success on PlayStation 5 – becoming the console’s highest-selling game of 2025 – there’s strong speculation that FH6 might launch simultaneously on PlayStation.
What This Means for the Franchise
A Japanese setting could address many criticisms of Forza Horizon 5. While FH5 was technically impressive, many players found Mexico’s open landscapes repetitive and bland. Japan’s varied terrain – from dense urban environments to winding mountain passes – could provide the engaging, diverse map the series needs.
The country’s rich automotive heritage also opens doors for unique car partnerships and exclusive vehicles that would be impossible in other settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Forza Horizon 6 be officially announced?
Multiple sources suggest the announcement will happen at Tokyo Game Show 2025, taking place September 25-28. However, this remains unconfirmed by Microsoft or Playground Games.
Is Forza Horizon 6 really set in Japan?
While not officially confirmed, evidence strongly points to Japan. The scanning of Kei cars, insider reports, and the rumored Tokyo Game Show reveal all suggest a Japanese setting.
What platforms will Forza Horizon 6 be available on?
Confirmed platforms include Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass. PlayStation 5 seems likely given FH5’s success on the platform, but this hasn’t been officially announced.
When is the Forza Horizon 6 release date?
Phil Spencer confirmed the next Forza game will release in 2026. Based on the series’ history, expect a fall launch window, likely October or November.
Will Forza Horizon 6 include Japanese car manufacturers?
Almost certainly yes. The leaked information about scanning Kei cars suggests a heavy focus on Japanese automotive culture, which would naturally include major Japanese manufacturers.
How does this compare to previous Forza Horizon locations?
Japan would be the series’ first Asian location, following Australia, France, England, and Mexico in previous games. It’s also arguably the most requested setting by fans.
What happened to the Instagram post that leaked this information?
Cult & Classic, the Australian car import company, quickly deleted their Instagram story after it gained attention. This deletion actually strengthened speculation that they accidentally revealed confidential information.
Conclusion
While we wait for official confirmation, the evidence for Forza Horizon 6 Japan continues mounting. Between deleted social media posts, insider reports, and the strategic timing of a potential Tokyo Game Show announcement, everything points to fans finally getting their most requested location.
If the rumors prove true, September’s Tokyo Game Show could be the moment Forza Horizon fans have been waiting years for. Japan’s incredible landscapes, legendary car culture, and unique automotive offerings would make it the perfect setting for the series’ next chapter.