How Inko Takita Brought the Kanto Influence to Life in ‘Forza Horizon 6’

In Forza Horizon 6, photographer Larry Chen introduces a series called The Art of Driving, showcasing the work of three artists who created beautiful murals within the game. These artists explored the unique cultures of different regions in Japan – Tohoku, Kanto, and Kyushu. One of them is Inko Takita, a Japanese manga artist based in the UK, known for her playful and relatable characters. She was asked to design characters for billboards inspired by the bustling Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, but she approached it as creating a vibrant, living world.

What’s special about Takita’s work is that it offers a moment of calm within the fast-paced game. While Forza Horizon 6 is all about speed and excitement, her characters have rich backstories, cultural details, and subtle human touches that encourage players to look closer. Inspired by the food, fashion, and music of the Kanto region, Takita combined research with her artistic instincts to create figures that are both striking and familiar. In a recent interview, she discussed the challenge of combining storytelling with the game’s motion, blending traditional elements with modern visuals, and why even in a high-speed game, it’s often the small, personal details that leave the biggest impression.

Your artwork has a lighter, more energetic feel – how did you bring that style to Forza Horizon 6?

I wanted the characters to feel vibrant and full of life, creating exciting moments within the game. They’re always moving and expressing themselves – posing, dancing, and just having fun. I based their designs on the history, culture, and people of the Kanto region, incorporating those elements into their visuals and then simplifying them to create the final look.

You frequently blend traditional designs with modern styles – what cultural inspirations did you use for this project?

I love using traditional motifs! For example, the crest of the hot bun shop is my own design, but it’s based on kamon – traditional Japanese family crests. Sakura, the storyteller, wears clothing and carries a candle inspired by storytelling traditions from about 200 years ago, when telling ghost stories was popular in the summer. As she tells each story, she blows out a candle, making the scene darker and adding to the spooky atmosphere.

Given the fast pace of the game, your work feels more personal and focused on storytelling—how did you consider that difference when creating your piece? I really aimed for a narrative approach, similar to how players choose their cars. Each vehicle has a unique appeal, personality, and strengths. We often appreciate machines for more than just their appearance—we look at the details, the history, and how it all contributes to performance. While you might only get a quick look at a car during a race, a closer inspection reveals a lot more.

What did being involved in The Art of Driving series mean to you, particularly as a project that combines worldwide gaming with local culture? I think a globally popular game is a fantastic way to share local cultures with a wide audience. I didn’t just create 2D art for Forza Horizon 6; I also had the chance to experience Japanese culture firsthand—from driving and drifting cars to trying local food, listening to jazz, and meeting people. The series was incredibly exciting and enjoyable for me, and I hope viewers feel the same. My father, a big fan of the Nissan Skyline GT-R, was definitely a little jealous!

When people encounter my characters in the game, I want them to feel happy and inspired. I hope players see characters who are comfortable with themselves and their place in the world, not needing anyone else’s approval. It’s great to have unique passions, like Norio’s love for both marine life and jazz, or to express yourself through fashion, like Chika-pin. My goal is to encourage people to pursue what they love fearlessly – the support and reasons will follow, and that’s what makes life interesting.

If my artwork could come alive for a day, it would be a funny, slightly chaotic experience. These characters wouldn’t be perfect, but they’d win you over with their stories. You’d hear the baker talk about his family’s history and the importance of community, similar to the stories in The Art of Driving. Norio would share his musical inspirations and maybe even ask you to listen to some Japanese jazz while you’re on the road. Each character would offer a unique and refreshing perspective on life, entertaining you in their own special way.

What small, everyday experience in Japan do you wish more people appreciated, and that you tried to capture in the game? I think it’s those subtle shifts that signal the changing seasons – the sounds of insects, the way the sunlight falls, or even just choosing what clothes to wear. We’re so connected to the seasons through what we do, eat, and talk about, and it’s more than just the weather. The game tries to capture that feeling too – each season in Japan feels special and worth experiencing. It always feels like the best time of year.

(This interview has been shortened and clarified.)

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