Are Japanese Cars Left-Hand Drive or Right-Hand Drive?

[David]

Japan drives on the left, and cars in Japan are right-hand drive. The side of the steering wheel and whether traffic regulations dictate driving on the left or right vary depending on the country's traffic system. Japan's traffic rules: Pedestrians walk on the right side, while motor vehicles and bicycles drive on the left side. The difference between right-hand drive and left-hand drive cars is the position: Right-hand drive means the driver's seat is on the right side of the cabin, while left-hand drive means the driver's seat is on the left side. Generally, continental countries like China, the U.S., France, and Germany use left-hand drive, whereas countries like Japan and the UK use right-hand drive. When driving on the right, the driver can rest their left hand on the steering wheel for control while using their right hand to shift gears and operate the dashboard. Driving on the left makes turning right much quicker, and since humans typically have a dominant right eye, placing the driver's seat on the right side of the vehicle makes it easier to observe oncoming traffic. Countries that drive on the right: Mostly typical continental countries like the U.S., Canada, China, Russia, Germany, France, and Brazil. Countries that drive on the left: The UK, Japan, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, etc. Factors determining right-hand drive and left-hand drive cars: The position of the steering wheel is determined by road traffic rules. Countries that drive on the right use left-hand drive cars, while those that drive on the left use right-hand drive cars.

[DelManuel]

To be honest, from the Japanese cars I've driven, most sold in the domestic market are right-hand drive because Japan follows left-hand traffic rules, and sitting on the right feels more natural for control. Back when I helped friends with car repairs, I noticed many older Nissan or Toyota models were designed this way, with the driver's position and visibility in mind. However, when exported to the U.S. or Europe, manufacturers switch the steering wheel to the left to match local right-hand traffic. There's an interesting point here: different countries have different conventions—China uses left-hand drive, while Japan sticks to right-hand drive. When buying a car, always check the version to avoid discomfort while driving. I've even seen beginners assume it's standardized worldwide, only to scrape their car while parking, so I recommend verifying specifications before renting a car abroad. Overall, remember that Japan’s domestic market mainly sells right-hand drive cars, while exports can be left-hand drive—that’s why imported Japanese cars overseas sometimes have different steering setups.

[LeAdam]

As someone who frequently works with modified cars, I find this question quite practical. Japanese sedans typically come with right-hand drive configurations, especially when driving in cities like Tokyo, where everyone is accustomed to it. However, if you purchase a used imported car or a specific model, such as certain sports cars, they might be switched to left-hand drive for sale in Europe. I remember at a car show once, the manufacturer emphasized safety as a priority, stating that right-hand drive offers a wider field of view for the driver on the left side, reducing accidents. In actual driving experience, I’ve used a Nissan Skyline with the steering wheel on the right, and shifting gears and operating it felt natural. But when driving a Toyota export version in the U.S., I had to adapt to left-hand drive. The key point is: vehicle designs are customized based on the market, so always clarify the configuration before purchasing to avoid confusion. Additionally, during maintenance, you might need to prepare two sets of tools, which is common in modification shops. In short, Japanese-made cars default to right-hand drive but are flexible for exports, complying with local traffic laws.

[LeahFitz]

From my understanding, Japanese cars are primarily designed with right-hand drive due to the country's left-side traffic regulations. Many domestic brands like Honda or Mazda manufacture vehicles this way to ensure driving safety. However, when exporting to other countries, manufacturers adjust the steering wheel position to suit new markets. For instance, Japanese cars shipped to Australia sometimes retain right-hand drive, while those sent to China are converted to left-hand drive. This modification doesn't affect performance, it's purely about driving habits.

[OEmersyn]

In my multiple experiences of driving during trips to Japan, I noticed that their cars are mostly right-hand drive, with the steering wheel on the right side, which is convenient for left-side traffic. For example, when renting a Toyota Corolla, the driver's seat is on the right, and once you get used to it, the driving is super smooth. However, when driving a Japanese import car bought back in China or the U.S., it might be left-hand drive, modified by the manufacturer for export. The difference is quite significant, especially when taking turns on curves. I think this reflects the flexibility of the automotive industry, with localized production avoiding cultural conflicts. If you plan to drive a Japanese car for travel, it's essential to check the destination's regulations first.