Which Side of the Road to Drive On: A Global Perspective Rooted in Japanese Tradition

1. Introduction

Every day, millions of people across the globe engage in a common yet intriguing activity - driving. Whether it's the bustling streets of Tokyo, the serene countryside of England, or the sprawling highways of America, the act of steering a vehicle is a shared human experience that transcends borders. Yet, despite this shared endeavor, there's a fascinating dichotomy that separates the world of motorists into two halves: those who drive on the left and those who drive on the right.

Navigating this dichotomy is not merely a matter of convenience or habit. It is a dance that traces its steps back to historical traditions, geographical influences, and socio-cultural norms. This article embarks on a fascinating journey to explore this worldwide driving divide, with a keen focus on the unique driving customs of Japan and their ripple effects on the global driving landscape.

2. The World of Driving: Left vs. Right

2.1. Exploring Driving Orientations Worldwide

The world's driving orientations can be categorized into two main groups: left-hand driving (LHD) and right-hand driving (RHD). In LHD countries, vehicles are operated on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat and controls are located on the vehicle's left side. In contrast, RHD countries drive on the left side of the road, and the driver’s seat and controls are on the vehicle's right side.

This divide is not evenly distributed; approximately 65% of the world's population drives on the right, making LHD the more common orientation.

2.2. Listing Countries Driving on the Left and the Right

The majority of the world's countries, including the United States, China, Russia, and most nations in Europe and South America, follow the LHD orientation. In contrast, RHD is primarily observed in the United Kingdom, India, Australia, and many countries in Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.

Among the RHD countries, Japan stands out due to its distinctive driving customs and the global influence of its automotive industry.

3. The Historical Origins

3.1. The Ancient Times and Chariot Drivers

The roots of driving orientation can be traced back to ancient times. Historians believe that the tradition of driving on a particular side of the road originated with transport methods of the past. In ancient Rome, for instance, charioteers would drive their chariots on the left side of the road. Holding the reins in their dominant right hand allowed them to keep their left hand free for combat, a practical strategy in a war-torn era.

3.2. The Influence of British Colonial Rule

Fast forward to the British colonial era, the British kept to the left, a tradition that was passed on to many of its colonies. This resulted in countries like India, Australia, and South Africa, among others, adopting the practice of driving on the left side of the road.

3.3. The Napoleonic Era and the Shift to the Right

In contrast, the shift to right-hand driving in many parts of the world can be attributed to the era of Napoleon. The French leader was left-handed and is believed to have preferred traffic to pass on the right, allowing him to keep his sword-arm between himself and any oncoming enemy. Countries under French influence or conquest, therefore, adopted right-hand traffic.

4. Japan's Unique Driving Tradition

4.1. The Samurai Heritage

When one thinks of Japan, vibrant images of cherry blossoms, sumo wrestlers, sushi, and, of course, samurais spring to mind. But did you know that the country's unique driving traditions are deeply rooted in its Samurai heritage?

During the feudal era, Samurai warriors would walk on the left side of the road. This allowed them to draw their swords, which were carried on their left side, with their dominant right hand without bumping into passersby. This age-old custom of keeping to the left side for convenience and safety gradually found its way into Japan's traffic system.

4.2. The Influence of the Train Systems

The Samurai tradition alone, however, does not account for Japan's adherence to left-side driving. A significant influence was also exerted by the country's railway systems, which were developed during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century.

Inspired by the United Kingdom, the then world leader in railway technology, Japan modeled its railways on the British system, which operated on the left. This orientation was subsequently adopted by the burgeoning automobile industry, solidifying the left-side driving practice.

5. Right-Hand Drive Vehicles in Japan

5.1. The Prevalence and Reasons for Right-Hand Drive Vehicles

In sync with its left-side driving, Japan also adopted a right-hand drive (RHD) configuration for its vehicles, meaning the driver's seat and controls are located on the right side of the vehicle.

This design aligns with the flow of traffic, providing drivers with a better view of the road, facilitating easier passing and overtaking, and making it safer for passengers to alight from the vehicle onto the sidewalk.

5.2. The Manufacturing Differences

The manufacturing of right-hand drive vehicles goes beyond simply moving the driver’s seat and controls to the right side. It also includes reconfiguring the vehicle's layout to accommodate this shift, impacting various components such as the headlights, wipers, pedals, and even the placement of the fuel tank cap.

Despite the global prevalence of left-hand drive vehicles, Japan has maintained its commitment to right-hand drive vehicles, a testament to the country's reverence for tradition even in the face of modernity.

6. Driving in Japan: Rules and Etiquette

6.1. Basic Rules of the Road

Understanding and adhering to Japan's driving rules is crucial for anyone planning to drive in the country. Like in any other nation, Japan has its specific rules and regulations that drivers must abide by to ensure safety on the roads.

One key rule, reflective of Japan's RHD orientation, is to always keep to the left side of the road unless overtaking. Also, giving way to pedestrians at crosswalks, obeying traffic lights, and following speed limits are basic yet essential rules that every driver in Japan must respect.

6.2. Licensing Requirements

For foreigners planning to drive in Japan, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is typically required, alongside their valid driving license issued in their home country. It's important to note that Japan only accepts IDPs based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, which is recognized by about 100 countries worldwide.

6.3. Dealing with Police and Other Authorities

Interactions with traffic authorities are an inevitable part of driving in a foreign country. In Japan, it is mandatory to carry your driving documents at all times, including your IDP, passport, and vehicle registration documents. In case of any traffic violation or accident, these will need to be presented to the police.

7. Driving Around the World: Interesting Exceptions and Noteworthy Changes

7.1. Key Exceptions to the General Rule

While the majority of the world follows the driving orientation dictated by their historical or colonial ties, there are some interesting exceptions. For instance, despite being a British colony, Gibraltar drives on the right due to its land border with Spain, a right-side driving country. Similarly, the Portuguese island of Madeira, despite Portugal being a right-driving nation, follows left-hand traffic.

7.2. Countries That Have Switched Their Driving Orientation

There are also noteworthy cases of countries that have switched their driving orientation. Sweden, for example, changed from left-hand traffic to right-hand traffic in 1967 to bring itself in line with its neighboring countries. The day this switch occurred is remembered as 'Dagen H' or 'H Day.'

Another intriguing case is Samoa, which decided to switch from right-hand traffic to left-hand traffic in 2009. This change was made to allow the import of cheaper vehicles from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, which manufacture primarily for left-hand traffic.

9. Conclusion

As our journey across the globe comes to an end, we are left with a rich tapestry of driving customs, historical influences, and societal norms that continue to shape the way we navigate the roads. Whether it's the chariot drivers of ancient Rome, the Samurai warriors of feudal Japan, or the colonial and post-colonial shifts in driving orientations, each thread in this tapestry tells a captivating story of human adaptation and convention.

Japan, with its right-hand drive vehicles and left-side driving, serves as a compelling example of how deeply ingrained historical customs and traditions can influence even the most mundane aspects of daily life, such as driving. From its Samurai heritage to the influence of British railway systems, Japan's unique driving tradition provides a fascinating study of how past influences continue to steer the present.

Yet, as the examples of Sweden and Samoa illustrate, driving customs are not set in stone. They can and do change, often for practical reasons, reflecting the dynamic nature of societies and their willingness to adapt for better alignment with their changing needs and circumstances.

Driving, therefore, is more than just a means of transport. It is a reflection of our cultural diversity and historical heritage. It is a testament to our ability to adapt and evolve. And most importantly, it is a reminder of our interconnectedness, as we all share the roads, whether we drive on the left or the right.