Vibe Check #32 (May 2026)

Hello, everyone! Welcome to the 33rd edition of our monthly Vibe Check (5th edition for the year 2026), where we talk about anything and everything dealing with Japan, Japanese culture, anime, or anything that's on the top of our heads. Now, sit back and happy reading~

Check #1: Forza Horizon 6 and VTubers

One of the most hyped up games in 2026 was automatically Forza Horizon 6. Last year, I was super hyped about the game as someone who's into cars. The moment it was located in Japan, it was one of the top 3 games on my wishlist that I would immediately buy the moment it's out (technically, it's been out on Xbox, but I have a PS5, so I have to wait until December 2026).

As someone who's into JDM cars more than any other country of origin of cars, one of the main cars that I want to drive in the game is the Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo Edition, the Acura NSX NC-17, and the Toyota Supra A-90. However, at first glance, the Toyota GR GT mesmerized me with its look, let alone the sound of its engine. The main car that's outside of JDM I want to drive again is the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP-700. It was the time when it was recognized as one of the most iconic models for Lamborghini, and I immediately fell in love with that car ever since I first played the car back in Forza Horizon 3, which is set in Australia. 

Also, it can be a nice way to remember my time in Japan by recognizing many iconic places, such as the Shibuya Crossing, the Tokyo Skytree, and the Daikoku Parking Area in Yokohama (which I am surprised I didn't visit last year).

The most surprising thing about the release of the game is that tons (and I mean TONS) of VTubers were playing the game. Cool cars, Japanese scenery, cute anime girls on the side of the screen screaming as they drive over a cliff. The best combination of all three things is Forza Horizon 6 and VTubers.

As a matter of fact, the game was so popular that it was named one of the top 5 most played games for the year! So there might be a chance it could be named Game of the Year. Sadly, I would have to wait until December 2026 to play the game, but at least i can go see some amazing cars in Japan in August~ 

Crunchyroll Awards 2026

The Crunchyroll Awards of 2026 were held in Japan (which doesn't make full sense since Crunchyroll is banned in Japan for some reason...) and it was live on YouTube Live. While I was watching VTubers wreaking havoc on Forza Horizon 6, I saw the thumbnail of the Crunchyroll Awards for 2026 on my suggestions list...

...and I immediately ignored the suggestion...

Don't get me wrong. I did remember the good times with Crunchyroll, but because of the constant regression of the product, for tons of anime fans like me, it went from "I want to see everything from Crunchyroll" to "I barely thought they still existed." 

I do love it when people show interest in anime, but it's just the basics and the misunderstandings of anime in general that newbies and/or "normies" get wrong. Also, it sucks that we're living in a time where people who know a lot more about the anime and it's history (the good, the bad, and the ones who don't want to say they like anime in front of their classmates because they don't want to get bullied or mocked) are getting gatekept by someone who just started watching it ever since the 2020 COVID pandemic. 

It just sucks that "normies" want to learn only the most popular ones out there and not dive into more series that fit their style and interests. For example, I tend to go to sports anime such as Kuroko no Basket, Inazuma Eleven, and Ace of Diamond since I am into sports. If you want to be into anime, that's amazing! However, for Crunchyroll to just alienate a community that's been there since Day One is a slap in the face.

----

That's all for this month's version of Vibe Check. Tune in at the end of June for next month's Vibe Check. I hope everyone has a good day~