Why Does Japan Drive on the Left Side?

Japan is one of the few countries in the world that follows left-hand traffic. Why does Japan drive on the left side? In this article, we will delve deeply into the historical background and modern traffic conditions to explore the reasons behind this practice.

. Why Does Japan Drive on the Left Side?
1. Traffic Conditions Before the Edo Period
2. Traffic Policies After the Meiji Era
3. Influence from Foreign Countries
4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Left-Hand Traffic
4.1. Advantages
4.2. Disadvantages
5. Relevance to Modern Traffic
6. Conclusion

Traffic Conditions Before the Edo Period

Before the advent of automobiles, walking was the primary mode of transportation in Japan. During this time, samurai carried their swords on their left hips. If they followed right-hand traffic, their swords could collide when passing each other, potentially leading to conflicts. To avoid this, left-side passage naturally became the norm.

Additionally, riding horses was another common mode of travel, and mounting and dismounting from the left side was easier. This further contributed to the widespread adoption of left-side traffic.

By the late 1700s, horse-drawn carts were introduced to transport agricultural products. Drivers sat on the left side of the cart to control the horses and used a whip with their right hand. To prevent their whips from hitting other horses and to avoid collisions between carts, left-side traffic was naturally chosen.

Since most people are right-handed, driving on the left allowed them to wield weapons, control horses, and steer carts with their dominant right hand.

Interestingly, this left-side traffic habit of horse-drawn carts influenced traffic regulations introduced in Paris in 1794. These rules, spread by Napoleon across Europe, led many countries to adopt left-hand traffic. However, Britain resisted this shift and maintained left-hand traffic instead of switching to the right.

Traffic Policies After the Meiji Era

During the Meiji era, Japan actively adopted Western technologies for modernization. Railways were one such example, and in 1872, Japan’s first railway opened between Shinbashi and Yokohama. The railway construction was led by British engineers, and because British railways followed left-side traffic, Japan adopted the same practice.

As automobiles became more common, Japan maintained left-hand traffic to align with railway systems and avoid confusion. In 1924, left-hand driving was officially established by the Road Traffic Act.

Influence from Foreign Countries

The influence of Britain played a significant role in Japan’s adoption of left-hand traffic. In addition to the Meiji-era railway construction, Britain had legally mandated left-hand traffic in the 1800s, which likely influenced Japan’s decision.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Left-Hand Traffic

Advantages

For right-handed individuals, left-hand traffic makes driving easier.
When pedestrians cross the road, they first check the left side for incoming vehicles, making it easier to ensure safety.

Disadvantages

Right-hand traffic is the global standard, making Japan an exception.
In right-hand drive cars, visibility can be poor when overtaking.

Relevance to Modern Traffic

In modern Japan, increased automobile usage has led to heavier traffic and more accidents. While left-hand traffic benefits right-handed drivers, it also presents challenges due to its deviation from international standards. However, considering long-standing customs and existing infrastructure, switching to right-hand traffic is not a realistic option today.

Conclusion

Japan’s left-hand traffic system is the result of a combination of historical traditions, including samurai customs, horse-drawn cart practices, and the influence of British railway engineers during the Meiji era. The practice has persisted due to cultural factors unique to Japan, reinforcing its position as one of the few left-hand traffic countries in the world.