In order to type in 日本語 (Japanese), you have to go to Microsoft's website (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/recommended/ime/default.mspx) and download the Japanese IME (Input Method Editor). Once you have done so, simply click in the area where you wish to type and press Crtl + Shift. A small toolbar will appear. On this toolbar, you may select one of three buttons. The first on the far left (which should have a capital A on it) lets you select the text input mode. (There are six. The first three are full-width hiragana, katakana, and alphanumeric. The next two are half-width katakana and alphanumeric. The last is normal english.) The next button lets you mess with the options. However, these are entirely in Japanese, so unless you can read it, don't bother with this button. The third button (on the far right) brings up the IME help dialog (you may only click on this after you have selected a text input mode OTHER than English). READ THE HELP FILE FIRST! Using the IME is tricky, so you will need to know what the help file says. Only one part is in English, but that is all you need. It is labeled "IME Basics (English)". It will tell you how to turn the IME on and off and about using the different input modes. Once you have read the help file you can start typing. Select an input mode and type. Your english will be converted to Japanese as you type, and will be underlined with a dotted line. The kanji (chinese characters used to write compound words) are also selected for you as you type. If you wish to change what you have typed from hiragana to katakana or to a different kanji, press Space and the underlined characters will change. To start a new word (and remove the underline from what you have typed) press Enter.
This is quite difficult at first, but you should get it with a little practice. Ask me if you don't understand anything.
This is quite difficult at first, but you should get it with a little practice. Ask me if you don't understand anything.
