The island where cars drove on the wrong side of the road

History · Published 19 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For over two decades, Okinawa existed in a unique geopolitical limbo. While technically Japanese territory, it was governed by a U.S. civil administration that could overrule every local decision, creating a distinct cultural and legal landscape that differed significantly from mainland Japan.

Following the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, the islands underwent a complex series of administrative handovers. From 1945 to 1946, control shifted between the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. By July 1946, the Ryukyu Command was established under General Headquarters, Far East Command in Tokyo. This military oversight eventually transitioned into a civil framework on December 15, 1950, with the creation of the United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands (USCAR).

Under USCAR, the native Government of the Ryukyu Islands operated as a subordinate entity. The U.S. administration held the power to overrule any local government decision, effectively maintaining ultimate authority over legislation and jurisdiction. This period was marked by distinct cultural markers: from 1948 to 1958, the official currency was the B yen before switching to the U.S. dollar. Notably, cars drove on the right side of the road—a practice that remained until 1978, when it was switched to the left to align with mainland Japan.

The legal status of the islands was defined by the post-war peace treaty of April 28, 1952. While sovereignty remained with Japan, the U.S. exercised all administrative powers as a temporary measure. Rigid rules governed this setup; notably, Ryukyu's Criminal Code forbade displaying any country's banner but that of the United States. The administration finally ended on May 15, 1972, when control was returned to Japan under an agreement signed in June 1971.

The transition from military to civil rule saw leadership titles evolve as well. The role of Governor emerged during 1950, yet it was swapped for the High Commissioner of the Ryukyu Islands in 1957. This era serves as a significant case study in how administrative oversight can reshape daily life—from maritime ensigns and postage stamps to the very direction of traffic.

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