I was at the base yesterday getting a 'visitor' pass while I am visiting here in Okinawa and was told that it was 'illegal' for me to drive a Y-plate vehicle, and that my IDP was only good for Japanese plated vehicles, not those that are registered by american civil/military members stationed in Japan.

Was basically told if I wanted to drive in Japan that I needed to either rent or buy a vehicle while I'm here. Ridiculous considering my wife's family owns 3 vehicles here.

Would appreciate some insight into this. Thanks!