730 Crossing, Ishigaki, Okinawa
Have you ever driven in a country that drives on the opposite side of the road from where you learned to drive? I think it's difficult to change.
After World War II until 1952, the United States occupied Japan. In the southern most island prefecture of Okinawa, the US military control continued until 1972. Because of this, cars drove on the right side of the road in Okinawa, even though cars drove on the left on Japan's main islands. Okinawa drivers continued to drive on the right even after its return to Japan. On July 30, 1978, Okinawa switched back to driving on the left.
This date is referred to as "730" by many citizens. The change was not popular with the people of Okinawa because it was the decision of the Japanese government. Thankfully, on July 30th the confusion was minimal and there were few traffic accidents. In Ishigaki, the transition began at 6 am, with 164 police officers and local volunteers guiding drivers to the left at what later became known as 730 crossing. A monument was constructed at this crossing. In 2008, the area around the monument was made into a public park to celebrate the anniversary of 730.
5 comments:
I used to be able to switch from left to right driving when visiting the states, but it has been so long now, that I might be afraid to give it a try. Spoiled by public transportation, there are many places, even in my hometown, that I can't visit without depending on friends or relatives.
There is history we make and history that is imposed on us. Okinawa Prefecture has been controlled by outside authorities for a long time...
Pamela: very interesting information, I am interested by the monument.
Catherine
I had to drive in Canada when the friend I was visiting became ill. It is fine until you have to turn at an intersection. That's when you need to be really careful you don't head to the wrong side of the road!
We went for Ireland once on vacation and Felix says it wasn't that bad driving on the left. I haven't tried it personally, though!
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