A Japanese keyboard layout in Input Sources settings, where you can add or remove input sources for different languages and select other options.

Same keyboard, multiple languages

With macOS, you can use a standard keyboard to type in Japanese—just add an input source for the language you want to use, then switch to it whenever you need to.

How to set up a Japanese input source

A TextEdit document showing romaji characters converted into hiragana using Live Conversion.

Convert as you type

When you use a Japanese input method, use Live Conversion to automatically convert hiragana characters into kanji as you type.

How to enter Japanese text

The candidate window showing character options for Japanese text after typing “oyasuminasai” (good night) using romaji. The options include emoji and a pop-up definition for the selected Japanese phrase.

Get suggestions from the candidate window

The candidate window shows all the possible characters for the text you enter, including emoji for certain languages.

How to use the candidate window

To explore the Japanese Input Method User Guide, click Table of Contents at the top of the page, or enter a word or phrase in the search field.

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