Japanese Language and Typing Guides
Learn Japanese typing and Kana, explore Japanese names and numbers, and understand practical topics such as Hanko stamps and Japanese address order. Every guide links to a relevant free tool when one is available.
Japanese Typing
How to Type Japanese on an English Keyboard
Type Japanese on a standard English QWERTY keyboard by using Romaji input, an IME, and reliable Kana conversion patterns.
Japanese TypingJapanese Keyboard Shortcuts: Beginner's Guide
Learn practical shortcuts for switching Japanese input, selecting Hiragana, converting readings, confirming Kanji, and correcting candidates.
Keyboard Setup
How to Add a Japanese Keyboard on Android
Add Japanese to Gboard on Android, choose a layout, switch languages, and type with Romaji, 12-key Kana, or handwriting.
Keyboard SetupHow to Add a Japanese Keyboard on iPhone
Add Japanese Kana or Romaji on iPhone, switch keyboards with the Globe key, and understand flick input and candidate conversion.
Keyboard SetupHow to Add a Japanese Keyboard on Windows 11
Add Microsoft Japanese IME in Windows 11, switch input languages, select Hiragana mode, and troubleshoot Latin-only input.
Keyboard SetupHow to Type Japanese on Mac
Set up a Japanese input source on macOS, switch to Hiragana or Katakana, use Romaji input, and select Kanji candidates.
Hiragana & Katakana
Hiragana vs Katakana: What's the Difference?
Compare Hiragana and Katakana by sound, shape, purpose, loanword use, grammar, small Kana, and typing method.
Hiragana & KatakanaHow to Type Dakuten and Handakuten
Type Japanese voiced and semi-voiced Kana by using g, z, d, b, and p Romaji sounds, or insert dakuten and handakuten variants directly.
Hiragana & KatakanaHow to Type Hiragana Using Romaji
Convert Romaji to Hiragana with basic syllables, shi/chi/tsu, ん, doubled consonants, small Kana, and contracted sounds.
Hiragana & KatakanaHow to Type Katakana Using Romaji
Type Katakana from Romaji, including loanwords, long vowels, small characters, doubled consonants, and modern foreign sounds.
Hiragana & KatakanaHow to Type Small Kana ゃ, ゅ and ょ
Type small ya, yu, and yo in Hiragana or Katakana with contracted Romaji combinations and explicit x/l prefixes.
Hiragana & KatakanaHow to Type Small Tsu っ
Type the small Hiragana っ or Katakana ッ with doubled consonants, xtsu or ltsu, and avoid common gemination mistakes.
Japanese Input Methods
How Does a Japanese Keyboard Work?
Learn how Japanese keyboards combine QWERTY hardware, Romaji or Kana input, an IME, phonetic composition, and Kanji candidates.
Japanese Input MethodsKana vs Romaji Input Explained
Compare direct Kana and Romaji Japanese keyboard input, including key mappings, speed, learning curve, hardware, and mobile use.
Japanese Input MethodsWhat Does a Japanese Keyboard Look Like?
See what distinguishes a Japanese JIS keyboard: QWERTY letters, Kana legends, a shorter space bar, conversion keys, and JIS symbols.
Japanese Names
Common Japanese Names: Given Names, Surnames, and Order
Understand common Japanese names, how family and given names are ordered, and why readings and Kanji must be checked separately.
Japanese NamesHow to Write Your Name in Japanese: Katakana Guide
Write an English name in Japanese Katakana by matching sounds, handling long vowels, and checking an automatic conversion carefully.
Japanese NamesJapanese Boy Names and Meanings: A Practical Guide
Explore Japanese boy names, possible Kanji meanings, readings, and the checks that matter before choosing or converting a name.
Japanese NamesJapanese Girl Names and Meanings: Readings and Kanji
Browse Japanese girl names with Kana, example Kanji, possible meanings, and guidance for interpreting names accurately.
Japanese NamesJapanese Nicknames Explained: Suffixes, Short Forms, and Etiquette
Learn how Japanese nicknames use shortened names, -chan, -kun, and playful forms—and when using one may sound too familiar.
Japanese NamesJapanese Surnames and Meanings: How Family Names Work
Learn how Japanese surnames are built, see familiar examples, and avoid common mistakes when translating their Kanji meanings.
Japanese Numbers
Japanese Numbers 1–10: Kanji, Kana, and Romaji
Learn Japanese numbers from 1 to 10 with Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana, Romaji, pronunciation notes, and beginner practice patterns.
Japanese NumbersJapanese Numbers 1–100: Patterns, Charts, and 67
Count from 1 to 100 in Japanese using simple tens patterns, Kanji and Kana examples, including how to say numbers such as 21 and 67.
Japanese Culture
Japanese Address Format: Order, Postal Codes, and English Conversion
Learn Japanese address order, how postal codes and building details fit together, and how to format an address for international mail.
Japanese CultureWhat Is a Hanko Stamp? Hanko, Inkan, and Japanese Seals
Understand what a Hanko stamp is, how inkan, registered seals, bank seals, and everyday seals differ, and what an online design can do.