Should I Stay or Should I Go?

This traffic signal phase, a common sight in Japan, strikes fear in the heart of many American drivers. I was one, before I got over it. (remember the classic song by The Clash - "Should I Stay or Should I Go"?).

So - what does the signal mean? It's actually quite simple - in this case the straight through and left turning traffic has the green light and may proceed. The right-turn traffic, however, must stop. To those of you reading from America - let me remind you that Japan is a "drive on the left" country, like England, Australia and a few other places - so the "unprotected turn" phase is the RIGHT turn - which in this signal has the red.

I think what makes the phase appear so confusing to most Americans, is that the red ball - which only applies to the right turn - appears more "bold" than the straight through green arrow. Given that the signal head is centered over both lanes doesn't help to clear the confusion.

Additionally, the signal is exactly "opposite" of what we remember seeing in the US. When we have a "protected left turn" phase in America, we typically see a green arrow pointing left. If it's combined with a green through - there's also a green ball. Regardless of the reason - it's still confusing to most American drivers in Japan - and given the large number of them here in Yokosuka - I'm extra thankful for the slow speed limits here!