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

When Japan finally opened up to international trade and tried to catch up technologically in 1853 the British already had a strong presence in the Area (Hong Kong) so the first real influx of modern trade and technology was supplied by the British empire