Contact Key NIHONGO
Get help with Japanese typing issues, ask learning questions, or suggest topics
We’re here to help you overcome Japanese typing challenges and improve your digital language skills. Whether you’re struggling with IME configuration, can’t get specific characters to type, or have questions about integrating typing practice into your learning routine, we’ll do our best to assist.
Send Us a Message
Before You Contact Us
Many questions are already answered in our guides. Check these first:
Learn to type あいうえお
Master アイウエオ typing
Convert readings to 漢字
Type っ, ゃ, ゅ, ょ, etc.
- How to Type Hiragana – The absolute basics
- How to Type Katakana – Special katakana rules
- Japanese Typing Practice Tips – Improve your speed
- Common Japanese Typing Mistakes – Avoid frequent errors
What to Include in Your Message
For faster help, please include:
- Your operating system and version
- The exact text you’re trying to type (use 日本語 if possible)
- Your Japanese learning level/goals
- What you expect to happen vs. what actually happens
- Screenshots if possible (attach to email)
⚠️ What We Can and Can’t Help With
We CAN help with:Learning materials, kana/kanji input problems, typing shortcuts, practice advice, learning resource recommendations.
We CAN’T help with:General Japanese grammar tutoring, translation requests, or non-typing related language questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Typing & Learning
How can I improve my Japanese typing speed for language learning?
Start with kana typing drills, practice common words and particles, and gradually add kanji. We recommend 10-15 minutes daily of focused typing practice. Check our typing practice guide for specific exercises and recommended resources.
Should I learn romaji input or kana input for Japanese typing?
For most learners, romaji input (typing “nihongo” to get 日本語) is easier to start with. It uses familiar QWERTY keys. Kana input (using a Japanese keyboard layout) is faster for native speakers but has a steeper learning curve. We have guides for both methods.
How do I type less common kanji or characters I don’t know the reading for?
For unknown kanji, you can:
- Use handwriting input (available in Windows IME and Mac Kotoeri)
- Copy-paste from online dictionaries
- Use radical-based lookup in advanced IME features
- Install kanji lookup tools like KanjiTomo or Yomichan
See our advanced kanji typing guide for detailed instructions.
What’s the best way to practice Japanese typing as a beginner?
Follow this progression:
- Master basic hiragana (あ-ん) without looking at the keyboard
- Practice dakuten/handakuten (が, ぱ, etc.)
- Learn katakana with special attention to long vowels and combinations
- Start typing simple sentences with kanji conversion
- Use typing games and drills specifically for Japanese
How do I type Japanese punctuation like 。、・「」？
Japanese punctuation has specific shortcuts:
- Period: 。 = Type “。” or use the period key
- Comma: 、 = Type “、” or use the comma key
- Middle dot: ・ = Type “/” or “なかてん”
- Quotes: 「」 = Type “[” and “]”
Check our Japanese punctuation guide for complete details.
Can typing practice help with Japanese reading and writing skills?
Absolutely! Typing reinforces character recognition, improves reading speed, and helps with kanji recall. Many learners find that typing Japanese helps solidify vocabulary and grammar patterns. It’s especially useful for writing practice without the difficulty of handwriting kanji.
How quickly will I get a response to my question?
We aim to respond within 48 hours for typing-related questions. For general Japanese learning advice, it may take up to 72 hours. Please check our guides first as many questions are already answered there.
Do you offer one-on-one Japanese tutoring or typing lessons?
No, Key NIHONGO focuses on creating free public resources. We don’t offer private lessons, but our guides cover most common issues. For personalized tutoring, we recommend checking language learning platforms like iTalki or finding a tutor specialized in digital Japanese skills.
Can you help me type Japanese in a specific program or game?
We can provide general guidance for Japanese input, but software-specific issues should be directed to that program’s support team. Some games and applications have unique input methods or compatibility issues with IME.
Do you accept guest posts or collaborations from Japanese learners?
Yes! We welcome contributions from Japanese teachers, translators, tech enthusiasts, and experienced learners. We’re particularly interested in:
- Unique typing workflows or shortcuts
- Japanese input on niche devices or operating systems
- Integration of typing practice with language learning methods
- Reviews of Japanese input software or tools
Select “Collaboration” in the contact form above.
Alternative Contact Method
If the form isn’t working, you can email us directly at:
japaneseguru2@gmail.com
(Please include your Japanese level and OS in the subject line, e.g., “Beginner Windows User – Typing Question”)
Join Our Learning Community
Connect with other Japanese learners who are working on their typing skills:
- Follow us on Twitter for daily typing tips
- Join our Discord server for real-time help
- Subscribe to our newsletter for new guides and resources
