Following the end of World War II until 1952, Japan was occupied by the United States. Japan’s southernmost prefecture of Okinawa, however, continued to be under U.S. military control until 1972. Due to this situation, cars drove on the right in Okinawa in contrast to the main islands of Japan, even after its return to Japan. It was not until July 30, 1978, that Okinawa finally switched back to driving on the left. For many citizens of Okinawa this date, commonly referred to as “730,” was a historic event that…
