Forza Horizon 6 became a canvas for a handful of artists chosen by the franchise to create beautiful murals in the game’s Japan setting. In the first episode of “The Art of Driving” series, host Larry Chen headed to Japan’s Tohoku region with the Toyota LC 250 Land Cruiser to meet Dragon76, a mural artist whose work blends graffiti, manga and traditional ukiyo-e into something distinctly his own. Known for exploring the tension between past and future, Dragon76 brings that same philosophy into the game, creating a mural that feels rooted in heritage while pushing toward something more contemporary.

For this project, Dragon76 draws heavily from Tohoku’s cultural identity, using the Nebuta Festival as a central reference point—translating its larger-than-life energy and craftsmanship into a digital mural that still carries the weight of tradition. His piece features a towering, mech-like dragon coiled around a commanding mythic figure, both rendered in bold, high-contrast color and sharp, graphic linework. The composition mirrors the dynamic intensity of Nebuta floats which are known for their dramatic scale, expressive characters and sense of movement. They’re also reimagined through a futuristic lens, where mechanical forms and street-art sensibilities collide.

Dragon76’s approach goes beyond aesthetics. In our conversation, he reflects on how driving becomes a way to experience culture, how motion and storytelling intersect, and why his work ultimately sits at the crossroads of tradition and technology—adding depth to the high-speed, but beautiful world of Forza Horizon 6, set in Japan, where every detail carries a story.

Your work blends graffiti, manga and ukiyo-e into one visual language—how did you approach translating that style into Forza Horizon 6?

My work aims to carry forward the beauty of cultural traditions into the future through the lens of modern street culture. In Forza Horizon 6, I focused on creating a balance where traditional Japanese art naturally blends into Japan’s beautiful landscapes, while closer inspection reveals elements of contemporary street art and manga coexisting within it.

You drew inspiration from Japan’s regional identity for this project—what specific elements of Tohoku’s culture and history shaped your piece?

I used Nebuta—created for the Nebuta Festival, the largest and most famous festival in the Tohoku region—as my motif. Nebuta are massive three-dimensional sculptures made from wire and washi paper, often inspired by Japanese mythology. I drew inspiration from their overwhelming sense of motion and energy, as well as from the idea of cultural inheritance that defines Tohoku. I wanted to express a vision where tradition is passed down, merges with new elements, and continues into the future.

“The Art of Driving” connects movement with storytelling—how did you think about motion, cars and environment when creating your mural?

I see driving as more than just a means of transportation—it’s an essential part of the journey. It allows you to experience the culture and legends of each region along the way. The sense of speed and dynamism in my work also connects closely to cars. My art style is defined by the coexistence of tradition and technology, which naturally aligns with the evolution of automobiles and technological advancement.

What does it mean to you to be part of a global project like Forza Horizon 6, where your work will be discovered by players around the world?

It’s a great honor. Having the opportunity to share my art with people around the world through a game like Forza Horizon 6. It’s one of an artist’s dreams, and I find it both very modern and exciting.

When players come across your work in the game, what do you hope they feel or take away from it?

I hope people feel a sense of excitement and exhilaration, along with the appeal of street art coexisting with landscapes and architecture. By creating work that represents Japan, I also hope to inspire people to discover its charm and even want to visit in person.

If you could design a Forza Horizon car that lives in the same world as your mural, what would it look like?

It’s really fun to think about. Since this piece is based on Nebuta, I wanted to emphasize tradition—creating something with a bold, angular exterior that holds technology and innovation within. I’m drawn to things that may appear old-fashioned or even clumsy at first glance, but actually contain remarkable functionality and performance.

If you had to capture the feeling of your piece in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

“Driven by Heritage.” It reflects the idea that traditions and spirit passed down from the past become the driving force toward the future. This is one of the core pillars of my creative practice.

**This interview was translated and has been edited for length and clarity.