As automotive culture continues to evolve beyond the streets and onto global stages through gaming, fashion, and entertainment — actor and longtime car enthusiast Sung Kang is helping bridge those worlds in a compelling new collaboration with Xbox, Zipangu, and UPRISERS LAB.
Timed alongside the highly anticipated launch of Forza Horizon 6, the project introduces a limited collection of custom upcycled Japanese denim jackets inspired by Japan’s legendary street racing culture, its celebrated craftsmanship, and its enduring creative identity.
Few actors have become as closely identified with global car culture as Sung Kang. From his iconic role as Han in the Fast & Furious franchise to his real-life appreciation for design, craftsmanship, and Japanese automotive history, Sung Kang has built a reputation that extends far beyond Hollywood. Here, he brings both authenticity and genuine passion to a collaboration that feels deeply personal rather than purely promotional.
The collection features two exclusive custom upcycled Japanese denim jacket designs, each drawing from Japan’s outsized influence on street racing and enthusiast culture worldwide. In our conversation with Kang, the actor reflects on creativity, craftsmanship, his emotionally driven film DRIFTER, the lasting pull of Japanese car culture — and even the unexpected role K-pop has played in his life.
The custom
denim jackets blend gaming, fashion, and Japanese street racing culture. What
part of that creative process excited you the most?
What excited me
most was how naturally all those worlds came together through storytelling and
craftsmanship. This never felt like a traditional merchandise collaboration. It
felt much more like building a cultural object inspired by atmosphere, identity
and movement. Working with Xbox, Zipangu and UPRISERS LAB allowed us to explore
Japanese automotive culture through fashion, utility and design in a really
thoughtful way. UPRISERS LAB especially brought an incredible level of
innovation and detail to translating those ideas into something wearable.
Japanese car
culture has influenced generations of enthusiasts worldwide. What do you think
makes it so timeless and globally respected?
I think it’s
the balance between precision and individuality. Japanese car culture has
always respected craftsmanship and technical excellence, but there’s also a
huge emphasis on personal expression and creativity. Whether it’s a
restoration, a drift build or a street car, there’s usually a strong emotional
connection behind it. That authenticity is what people continue to connect with
around the world.
If you
could build your dream in-game garage in Forza Horizon 6 with only three
Japanese cars, which models are you choosing?
and rocket bunny kit.
Did
working on your film DRIFTER challenge you differently compared to other
productions?
Absolutely.
Drifter was deeply personal creatively because I wanted to explore the
emotional side of automotive culture in a more grounded and human way. It
challenged me to think not only visually, but emotionally and atmospherically –
how movement, silence, cars and environments can all communicate identity and
memory. It was a very immersive experience creatively.
What themes
or emotions do you hope audiences walk away with after watching DRIFTER?
I hope
audiences walk away feeling something emotional rather than simply watching
cars on screen. The film explores freedom, loneliness, connection, memory and
self-discovery through automotive culture. Cars become a language for identity
and belonging in the story. Hopefully people connect to the humanity behind it.
Zipangu
celebrates Japanese music and culture in a big way. How closely do you think
music and car culture are connected?
I think they’re
deeply connected because both create atmosphere and emotional identity. Music
shapes the feeling of a drive the same way a car shapes an experience
physically. A lot of enthusiast culture is tied to memory, mood and community,
and music becomes part of that storytelling naturally. That’s one of the
reasons Zipangu feels so exciting – it brings all of those cultural worlds
together in one space.
K-pop has
become such a global part of music culture lately. Has it made its way onto
your family’s playlists at all?
Yes, kpop has
always been a big part of my life since the early 90’s.
Over the
years, how has your own relationship with cars changed outside of acting?
I think my
relationship with cars has become more reflective over time. Earlier on, I was
probably more focused on performance and aesthetics, but now I appreciate
craftsmanship, history and emotional connection much more deeply. I’m
increasingly drawn to builds and designs that feel personal and intentional
rather than purely flashy or trend-driven.
Car
enthusiasts are incredibly passionate communities. What’s been one of the most
memorable fan interactions you’ve had at a car meet or event?
The most
memorable interaction has been seeing 3 generations of a family coming to a car
meet sharing their love for the Fast and Furious movies.
Do you have
any advice for anyone looking to start out on a new venture?
I think the
most important thing is staying connected to why you’re doing it in the first
place. Trends change and external validation comes and goes, but passion and
authenticity usually resonate long-term. The projects that tend to endure are
the ones created with intention, curiosity and genuine love for the craft
behind them.
Follow Sung Kang
Instagram @sungkangsta
Drifter movie @driftermovie
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To celebrate Forza Horizon 6’s launch, Sung Kang teamed up with UPRISERS LAB and Zipangu to create exclusive Japanese denim racing jackets.
Want one? Follow @xbox & comment with #SungKangFH6Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of ten Zipangu x Forza Horizon 6 Edition jackets or one Sung Kang x Forza Horizon 6 Edition grand prize!
Must be 18+. Ends 6/28/26. Join the sweepstakes here!
