Why does Japan drive on the left, even though they have never been a part of the British Empire?

Question

Why does Japan drive on the left, even though they have never been a part of the British Empire?

In: 9363

Answer 1

Minor tangent: The Japanese also swap the turn signal and wiper stalks to opposite sides. In the UK, your turn signal is on the same side of the steering wheel as a car from the US. In Japan, the turn signal is on the driver’s right, between the steering wheel and right window.