With the release of Forza Horizon 6, it’s impossible to overlook the inclusion of various Japanese geographical locations. Some of these spots feature iconic mountain sections and tracks directly tied to automotive culture. This guide will focus on two specific routes that are strongly linked to the renowned manga and anime series Initial D, created by Shuichi Shigeno.
The developers had previously hinted that certain areas within the Forza Horizon 6 map were heavily inspired by Japan’s mountainous routes, such as Mount Haruna. Now that the game has entered its early access period, we’ll show you how to locate the iconic Mount Akina, the home of Initial D‘s protagonist, along with another legendary track associated with Shigeno’s work and Japan’s drifting culture.
Does Initial D’s Mount Akina Appear in Forza Horizon 6?
The descent of Mount Haruna, popularly known as Mount Akina in Initial D and the home turf of the Akina Speed Stars, is replicated almost identically in Forza Horizon 6. It retains its distinctive tight curves and steep hairpin turns, mirroring its appearance in the manga and anime.
How to Reach Initial D’s Mount Akina Version in Forza Horizon 6
To find Mount Akina in Forza Horizon 6, head to the northeast section of the map in the Takashiro region. A recommended route is to first approach via the coastal road in the Hokubu region. Once you reach the junction leading to a shortcut on the Forza Horizon 6 map that connects Hokubu to Ito via the sea, begin ascending towards Takashiro.
There are two events located on Mount Haruna (Akina). The first is the Okishinaimura race, which starts midway up the mountain. Continuing further up this same slope will lead you to the Mount Haruna Touge event, emulating the exact course Takumi Fujiwara had to navigate for his tofu deliveries.
Shuichi Shigeno’s Inspiration for Initial D’s Mount Akina
In reality, Initial D‘s author, Shuichi Shigeno, drew direct inspiration from Mount Haruna (榛名山 Haruna-san). This is an inactive stratovolcano located in the city of Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. Specifically, the underground racing stretch frequented by Takumi Fujiwara and the Akina Speed Stars is inspired by a section of the Jomo-Sanzan scenic highway. This route is situated on the northeast face of the mountain, under the jurisdiction of Shibukawa.
Where to Find the Hakone Nanamagari Track in Forza Horizon 6
In addition to Mount Akina, Forza Horizon 6 features a Touge event heavily inspired by a real-world location seen in the Initial D arcade games. To find the Touge event with the Nanamagari track, home to the Spiral team in Initial D, head to the southwest corner of the map and search for the Hakone Nanamagari event. The track is recognizable by its seven consecutive hairpin turns, famously considered the origin point of drift subculture.
Furthermore, the possibilities in Forza Horizon 6 are endless, as players can create their own tracks and share them with the community. It’s only a matter of time before user-created tracks resembling those from Initial D or MF Ghost become widely available.
