I think it was the same in Japan until 20 years ago.
I think things were very similar in Japan just like they were in France until 20 years ago.
この場合、次のような言い方ができますよ。
ーI think it was the same in Japan until 20 years ago.
「20年前までは日本も同じだったと思います」
ーI think things were very similar in Japan just like they were in France until 20 years ago.
「20年前までは日本もフランスと同じようだったと思います」
ご参考まで!