This page explains how to set up your PC to support Japanese at operating system level; once you've done this, you'll be able to display Japanese text in all your applications, such as Internet Explorer/Word/Adobe Reader. More specifically, it will allow you to use my KanaTest application.
I have drawn red rectangles on these screenshots to highlight the relevant areas, but you won't see these on your screen.
N.B. You will need to be logged in with local admin privileges on your machine in order to make these changes.
Go to Windows Update, check for Product Updates, and then scroll right down to the bottom of the page:
You definitely need to tick the box for "Japanese Language Support", and you will probably want to select "Japanese Input Method Editor" too if you're interested in learning the language.
Click the "Download" link, then follow the instructions to download and install these updates; you won't need the installation CD for this. When it's finished, you may need to reboot, and then you're done.
Start by going into Control Panel, and select "Regional Options":
The "General" tab should be selected by default, so tick the box for "Japanese" in the bottom half of the page (you will need to scroll down until you find it).
Click the "OK" button, and you will probably be prompted to insert your original Windows CD. When it's finished, you may need to reboot, and then you're done.
Start by going into Control Panel, then select "Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options":
Now select "Regional and Language Options":
Now select "Languages":
Now tick both boxes in the "Supplemental language support" section:
Click the "OK" button, and you will probably be prompted to insert your original Windows CD. When it's finished, you may need to reboot, and then you're done.
I haven't tried out the beta version of Windows Vista yet, but I'd guess that it will be most similar to XP, and I'll update this page when I have more specific details. As for Windows 3.x or 9x, I don't think that they do support Japanese natively, so I'd recommend upgrading to XP.
Honestly, you're on your own here - I'm sure that Linux etc. do support Japanese, but I don't know how. If anyone else knows, I'd be happy to update this page, but if not then I suggest finding a local expert.
This page was last updated on 2005-10-24 by John C. Kirk
