The Forza Horizon series might finally be heading East. A now-deleted Instagram post from Australian car import company Cult & Classic appears to have spilled details about the next entry in the blockbuster racing franchise, widely believed to be Forza Horizon 6.
The post, which showed cars being scanned by a representative from @forzahorizonofficial, mentioned that the vehicles would be used as “the basis for their digital versions.” Since Kei cars — compact vehicles uniquely popular in Japan — were explicitly referenced, fans have begun speculating that Japan could serve as the backdrop for Horizon’s next open-world playground.
Why Japan Makes Sense
Fans have long requested Japan as a Horizon destination, citing its diverse landscapes (from neon-lit cities to twisting mountain passes) and its deep car culture. Kei cars, drifting, and touge roads would all be a natural fit for Playground Games’ blend of arcade racing and automotive celebration.
IGN previously reported that Japan has been “one of the most requested settings for the franchise since its debut,” while outlets like Windows Central have noted that Playground Games considered it for past entries before ultimately selecting Mexico for Forza Horizon 5.
What Microsoft Has Said So Far
While no direct confirmation exists, Xbox leadership has hinted at the franchise’s global ambitions. Speaking to IGN in 2021 around the launch of FH5, Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty said:
“Forza Horizon is about exploring the world through cars. Every location we choose has to bring something unique, something that expands what the Horizon Festival feels like.”
Although not tied directly to FH6, this philosophy lines up perfectly with Japan’s unique car culture and geography.
Playground Games creative director Mike Brown (in past press interviews before leaving the studio in 2022) also acknowledged that fan demand plays a huge role in shaping Horizon’s future:
“We always hear the community. There are places we’d love to take Horizon that we haven’t yet, and it’s about making sure the technology and team are ready to do those places justice.”
The Deleted Post Sparks Speculation
Cult & Classic’s mention of late-model Kei cars being scanned specifically for Forza has only fueled speculation. Since these vehicles are not common in the U.S. or Europe, their inclusion strongly suggests a Japanese setting.
The fact that the Instagram post was swiftly deleted adds to the intrigue — many fans are now convinced it was an accidental leak.
What’s Next?
Until Microsoft officially reveals Forza Horizon 6, likely at a future Xbox showcase, fans will have to wait for confirmation. But if the leak is accurate, Japan could finally be the dream destination the Horizon community has been waiting for.
And with FH5 still receiving expansions, the Horizon Festival seems set to continue its global tour — with drifting through Mount Haruna’s switchbacks perhaps closer than ever.
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