Players can finally explore Japan through the lens of the Forza Horizon series with the release of Forza Horizon 6. The game invites players to traverse a highly detailed, stylised, and condensed version of the country. This includes bustling downtown Tokyo, iconic landmarks, and picturesque country roads in all seasons, all while competing against other racers. As you race, you’ll earn experience points for actions such as crashing your car into other vehicles or surroundings. However, a recent interview with design director Torben Ellert by The Japan Times revealed some interesting details. While most objects in the game can be destroyed, culturally significant sites such as shrines, temples, and cherry trees are protected and cannot be damaged.
“Almost all trees in the game are smashable to ensure that traversing the world map is both fun and rewarding,” Ellert explains. “However, several tree types are not – for example, the cherry blossom trees – because they’re an iconic element of Japanese culture. Certain temples or other cultural elements are also excluded so that players aren’t tempted to drive through shrines or locations of cultural importance.”
Cherry blossoms hold deep historical and cultural significance in Japan. They are a key symbol in Japanese literature, art, and poetry. The pink blossoms signify rebirth and the arrival of spring, as well as the transience of life. In ancient times, farmers made offerings and held feasts under cherry trees to ensure a good harvest. In the 800s, the emperor and nobles began a tradition of hosting cherry blossom viewing parties. These traditions have evolved into modern day hanami – cherry blossom viewing parties where people enjoy picnics under the trees and admire the blossoms.
Cherry blossom trees in real life are fragile and easily damaged. Tampering with or shaking the branches of cherry blossom trees in public parks is punishable by fines in Japan. Some of the country’s oldest trees, like the Uozumi Zakura in Gifu, are over 1,000 years old and protected as natural treasures by the government. This cultural importance is why the UK studio Playground Games decided to make cherry trees invincible in Forza Horizon 6.
As for shrines and temples, last year, Assassin’s Creed Shadows faced heavy backlash in Japan. A preview showed that players could damage shrines. Ubisoft addressed this in a day-one patch, making shrine objects indestructible and preventing unarmed NPCs from bleeding when attacked. Forza Horizon 6’s developers have taken a similar approach, being culturally sensitive regarding what players can do to religious and cultural sites.
“Japan has been on our shortlist for several games now,” Ellert told The Guardian. “But we just didn’t feel like we were ready to take on the challenge of building it.” The team conducted extensive research for the game, down to the smallest details. They even hired experts, including cultural consultant and former Porsche ambassador Kyoko Yamashita, to advise on their depiction of Japan and its racing scene. “Because it’s a culture we see a lot, there’s a temptation to think you know it better than you do, which is why we tried really hard to get people to course correct us if we were drifting,” Ellert added.
While those who pre-ordered the premium edition of Forza Horizon 6 are already racing, the game officially releases on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on 19 May. While you wait, check out the Forza Horizon 6 review.
