Hello! It is the blog How Unique Japan! We always share some Japanese features through this page! So, what comes this time?
Today, we would like to ask you.
Have you visited Japan and explored its residential areas? If so, you likely thought, These roads are very narrow!
Indeed. Japan surprisingly has such small roads.
Over 80% of all roads are only 3.9 meters wide. It is just enough for two big guys to lie down horizontally.
Today, we will discuss the traffic situation in Japan! See the reason and features!
Why are they so small?
As our front page said, Japan is a volcanic island. It is why we have earthquakes and mountains. (Do you know that Mount Fuji is still active?)
In contrast, only 25% of the area is suitable for habitation.
Now, you understand their size needs to be small to utilize the left area.
Next, figure out what uniqueness was born from such busy traffic.
Left Hand Traffic
All drivers must drive on the left side of the road.
We can not give you the correct reason because there are many theories. However, one rumor is interesting.
Such a habit was from the SAMURAI.
How are they concerned with the rule?
After a long period of civil war, the old Japanese finally got peace. It was the Edo era from 1603 to 1868. (If you are interested in the era, please click here.)
The warriors (Samurai) need to fight no longer, but their pride as fighters still lived in their souls and their Katana/samurai swords.
So, the samurai regarded their katana as a symbol of great honor, representing their spirit and pride.
Thus, it was strictly forbidden for the others to have or even touch the sword. It was also prohibited to strike or hit another katana.
If they do, it could be a big problem.
A few cases showed us that some samurai started a duel and died because their saya (sword case) hit each other.
That is why ancient people in Japan started walking on the left side.
Come to think about it. Samurai always keep their katana on the left side of their waist, and then, two samurai walk through on the right side of a narrow road.
That’s it! It is highly possible that they would each hit their katana.
That is one theory of the left-side rule.
There are many small cars.
Roads are small. Why not cars?
Indeed. There are many small cars known as Kei cars (Kei means miniature or small in English). The market is quite popular, with over 40% being Kei cars.
The size is official.
Length: under 3.40 m
Width: under 1.48 m
Displacement: under 660 CC
Capacity: 4 people (under 350 Kg)
Tiny.
Traffic signs and signals are so many
Small roads should have accidents.
Yes. There have been horrible incidents around them. So, we have an uncountable number of traffic signs and signals.
The former is over 9 million, and the signals are at the top of the world (over 2 million).
The invention of the Curve mirror
Our readers can imagine now how dangerous Japanese traffic can be. Thus, one unique invention was born in 1960.
It is a Curve mirror (Japanese English).
They are set in the intersection to recognize any object coming close by its reflection because buildings or houses usually block the edge.
The total amount is unclear. At least, the laws about traffic declared that any intersection must have two curve mirrors.
Imagine. Japanese traffic is confusing with millions of intersections.
Can we count? NO WAY.
To close
In conclusion, we always pay attention to where we are (especially around the corner), although it may be difficult.
Thus, we strongly recommend avoiding residential areas if you want to drive in Japan.
Thanks for reading this article, everyone! If you are still interested in this page, please visit the Front Page.
Now, we have four categories. They are about Japanese lifestyle, food, the Edo era, and religion.
OK! SEE YOU FOR THE NEXT ARTICLE!