Since you're supposed to stay to the right when walking passed people in the U.S. do you stay left in Japan?

Question

I live in Okinawa, Japan where we drive on the left side of the road, and when walking on sidewalks and passing people that are coming from the other direction I am always confused about which side I should stay on... and the Okinawans seem just as confused...

Answer 1

This is actually a phenomenon I read about. I was reading a book about store layouts to improve sales. The idea is that in North America we drive on the right side of the road so we're used to going right, so if you place something in your store near the front, place it to the right.

Many of our stores seem to use this, if I go into Wal-Mart or somesuch for instance usually the cashiers are to the left, and merchandise is to the right.

The same thing happens when walking on the street. We walk to the right if we're passing someone on the street.

That said, here where I live is very multicultural, so a lot of times someone does walk to the left to pass, and it's awkward heh.

Answer 2

I just got back from Japan and I found the same thing.
I did find out though that when you are riding an escalator and not in a hurry stay to the left, the right is the passing lane!

Answer 3

I just stay with the crowd. Easiest way to tell which way is right, lol.

Answer 4

It doesnt matter in the U.S, It doesnt matter in Japan,I think it just doesnt matter.