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Why does Japan Drive on the Left Side of the Road?
http://www.tofugu.com/2013/02/22/why-does-japan-drive-on-the-left-side-of-the-road/
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Over the years, the majority of nations have decided to drive on the right.
Britain has long refused to make the switch. With the travel industry booming in the 1800s,
traffic regulations were made in every country and left-hand driving became law in Britain in 1835.
Countries which were part of the British Empire also abided by this law.
This is why countries such as India, Australia, and the former British colonies in Africa keep left as well.
But why does Japan keep to the left?

Why Japan Drives on the Left

Although Japan was never part of the British Empire,
its traffic also keeps to the left. This practice goes back all the way to the Edo period (1603-1867)
when Samurai ruled the country (same sword and scabbard deal as before), but it wasn¡Çt until 1872
that this unwritten rule became official. That was the year when Japan¡Çs first railway was introduced.

Three countries approached the Japanese government to help them build a railway system.
These three countries were America, France, and Britain. In the end, Britain won out. In 1872
the first Japanese railway was up and running thanks to the British.
A massive network of railways spread out from there, all of which were left-side running.
And as we all know, Japan loves their trains. If American or French railways had been built instead,
Japan would probably be driving on the right side of the road today.