How to use the Japanese keyboard
Select a conversion mode above the editor. With Romaji → Hiragana, type a Japanese reading with a Latin keyboard: konnichiwa becomes こんにちは. Select Katakana for loanwords and names such as amerika → アメリカ. If you prefer direct character entry, choose Hiragana or Katakana and tap the virtual keys.
- Choose the output script: Hiragana or Katakana.
- Type Romaji in the text area, or click Kana keys.
- Use Copy to move the text into a message or document.
- Use Undo, Redo, Select All, or Download when needed.
Romaji to Japanese examples
| Type | Hiragana | Typing rule |
|---|---|---|
| nihongo | にほんご | Basic syllables plus dakuten |
| gakkou | がっこう | Doubled consonant creates small っ |
| kyo | きょ | Contracted sound with small ょ |
| ryu | りゅ | Contracted sound with small ゅ |
| kanpai | かんぱい | n before a consonant becomes ん |
Hiragana and Katakana input
Hiragana and Katakana are both Kana: phonetic scripts that represent Japanese morae. Hiragana is used widely for grammatical endings, particles, and many native words. Katakana is used often for loanwords, onomatopoeia, scientific names, and stylistic emphasis. They represent corresponding sounds, but they are not interchangeable in normal writing.
Kanji is different. Kanji characters carry lexical meaning and usually require candidate conversion in a full operating-system IME. This browser tool focuses on accurate Kana entry and does not pretend to choose the correct Kanji for an ambiguous reading.
How Japanese typing works
A Japanese input method sits between the keyboard and the document. With Romaji input, it reads sequences such as shi, tsu, or kya and produces Kana. A full IME can then convert a Kana reading into possible Kanji candidates. This page handles the first part locally: it converts Romaji and provides direct Kana keys.
Japanese keyboard vs English keyboard
Japanese JIS computer keyboards retain a familiar QWERTY letter area but add Kana legends and keys such as 変換 (Convert), 無変換 (No conversion), and a Japanese/Latin input toggle. You do not need JIS hardware to type Japanese. A US or UK keyboard can use Romaji input effectively because the conversion depends on typed letter sequences, not printed Kana legends.
Useful Japanese typing combinations
| Result | Romaji | Note |
|---|---|---|
| しゃ | sha / sya | Small ゃ contracted with し |
| ちょ | cho / tyo | Small ょ contracted with ち |
| っか | kka | Double k to insert small っ |
| んあ | n'a | Apostrophe separates ん before a vowel |
| ふぁ | fa | Common foreign-sound combination |
Frequently asked questions
How can I type Japanese online?
Choose Romaji → Hiragana or Romaji → Katakana, then type Japanese sounds with Latin letters. KanaKeyboard converts the sequence in your browser. You can also click the Japanese character keys.
Can I type Japanese using an English keyboard?
Yes. Romaji input maps Latin-letter spellings such as nihongo to にほんご. It is the most common approach for people using a standard QWERTY keyboard.
How do I type Hiragana with Romaji?
Select Romaji → Hiragana and type the sound: ka becomes か, shi becomes し, and kyo becomes きょ. Type a doubled consonant for small っ, as in gakkou → がっこう.
How do I type Katakana?
Select Romaji → Katakana, then enter the same sound spellings you would use for Hiragana. For example, amerika becomes アメリカ.
Do Japanese keyboards use QWERTY?
Most Japanese computer keyboards use a QWERTY letter arrangement plus Japanese-specific legends and keys. Users can type with Romaji input or direct Kana input through an IME.
Can I type Japanese without installing anything?
Yes. This web keyboard works in a modern browser and keeps the typed text on your device. Installation is not required.
What is Kana input?
Kana input assigns Japanese Kana directly to physical or on-screen keys. It differs from Romaji input, which starts with Latin-letter spellings and converts them into Kana.
What is the difference between Kana and Romaji input?
Kana input enters Kana characters from dedicated key positions. Romaji input lets you spell Japanese sounds with Latin letters, which an input method converts to Hiragana or Katakana.