Why Does Japan Drive on the Left?
2 Answers
Japan drives on the left based on the 1900 (Meiji 33) Metropolitan Police Department Ordinance (Road Control Regulations). Below is relevant information about the vehicle license: 1. Application: The vehicle license can be processed at the traffic management department of public security authorities or the local vehicle management office. You need to bring your ID card and the invoice for the purchased vehicle to complete the application. 2. Importance: The vehicle license serves as the vehicle's ID card, used to identify the vehicle's status, whether it can be driven on the road, and whether it is a qualified motor vehicle. 3. Legal provisions: Article 17 of the "Road Traffic Management Regulations" promulgated by the State Council stipulates that vehicles must pass inspection by the vehicle management authority and obtain license plates and a vehicle license before they are allowed to drive.
As a history enthusiast, I'm particularly fascinated by the origins of Japan's left-hand traffic. It dates back to the Edo period: Samurai used to wear their swords on the left side of their waists, so they naturally walked on the left to avoid scabbards bumping into others or to draw swords more conveniently—safety first, after all. Later, during the Meiji era, Japan learned from the West. British experts came to assist in building the railway system, and since their country drove on the left, they directly introduced the rule. Once the railway was established, left-hand traffic became the standard. When automobiles emerged, this tradition continued. Road designs and traffic signals were all adapted for left-hand driving. Now, driving on the streets of Tokyo feels seamless and reassuring—a perfect blend of historical heritage and modern technology. Just thinking about it fills me with admiration for such wisdom. This practice not only maintains order but also influences traffic systems in over 50 left-hand driving countries worldwide.
