About Key NIHONGO
Bridging the gap between Japanese language learning and digital efficiency
Our Story
Key NIHONGO was born from a simple frustration: even after years of studying Japanese, we struggled to type it efficiently. The “aha” moment came when realizing that most Japanese learners master reading and speaking, but few truly master typing with speed and confidence.
We noticed learners:
- Taking minutes to type a single kanji they knew how to read
- Giving up on typing practice because IME settings felt overwhelming
- Missing out on digital immersion opportunities
So we decided to create what we wished existed: a dedicated resource focused solely on the practical skill of typing Japanese on any device, any operating system.
Our Mission
To empower Japanese learners and professionals to communicate digitally with the same fluency they seek in conversation. We believe typing proficiency shouldn’t be a hidden barrier to language mastery.
What We Focus On
π οΈ Practical Solutions
No theoretical linguistics here. Just actionable guides for Windows IME, Mac Kotoeri, Linux setups, and mobile keyboards.
π― Specific Problems
We answer questions like “How do I type the small tsu?” and “Why won’t my katakana convert properly?” with clear, step-by-step solutions.
β‘ Efficiency First
Beyond basics, we teach shortcuts, text expansion tricks, and workflow optimizations for students, translators, and professionals.
π Always Accessible
All our content remains free. We’re supported by language learners who appreciate our work and choose to contribute.
Our Content Philosophy
Every guide on Key NIHONGO follows three principles:
- Clarity Over Complexity: We break down technical topics into beginner-friendly steps.
- Platform Coverage: We provide solutions for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- Problem-Solution Format: We address specific pain points Japanese typists actually encounter.
Meet Our Contributors
Key NIHONGO is maintained by a small team of Japanese language enthusiasts, former English teachers in Japan, and software professionals who understand both language learning and technology.
We’ve collectively:
- Taught Japanese to hundreds of international students
- Worked as technical translators between Japanese and English
- Configured Japanese input systems on countless devices
- Experienced the typing struggles firsthand as learners ourselves
Ready to Type with Confidence?
Start with our beginner’s guide to Japanese input methods or browse our latest articles.
Key NIHONGO β Because typing should never slow down your Japanese journey.
