How to Type Japanese on Any Device

You’re studying Japanese — but can you type it? Being able to type in Japanese unlocks texting with language partners, searching Japanese websites, and writing practice. Here’s how to set it up on every device.

How Japanese Typing Works

You type romaji (English letters) and the IME (Input Method Editor) converts them:

Setup by Device

iPhone / iPad

• Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards → Add New Keyboard
• Select Japanese - Romaji (or Kana for flick typing)
• Switch keyboards with the 🌐 globe icon while typing

Android

• Settings → System → Languages & Input → On-screen keyboard
• Add Japanese to Gboard (or install Google Japanese Input)
• Switch with the globe icon or space bar long-press

Mac

• System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources → Edit
• Click + → Add Japanese - Romaji
• Switch with Ctrl + Space or the flag icon in menu bar

Windows

• Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region → Add a language
• Add Japanese → Install language pack
• Switch with Win + Space
• Toggle between English/Japanese mode with Alt + `

Pro Tips for Faster Typing

Don’t Just Type — Write Too

Typing is essential for digital communication, but handwriting kanji builds deeper memory. Research shows that the motor memory from writing helps you recognize kanji faster too. Kanjijo combines both worlds: study kanji with SRS flashcards, then practice writing with guided stroke-order feedback.

And when you encounter kanji you can’t type because you don’t know the reading? Kanjijo’s OCR scanner lets you point your camera at any Japanese text and instantly look it up.