How to write japanese? Need a japanese keyboard?

[aak1]

Hello. I am new here. And kinda new to Japanese.I can speak a little bit. But haven't even started on writing.

My question is, how are you able to write japanese letters on the PC? Do you need a japanese keyboard?

[peace123]

You can do it with XP. You have to go to control panel > regional language settings and install east asian languages, and then activate a Japanese language bar.

がんばって

[Belton]

There are two sticky threads here that might help you.

if you have a PC
http://www.japanesepod101.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9

and if you have a Mac
http://www.japanesepod101.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=204

You don't need a Japanese layout keyboard. Basically you type in romaji, the computer converts this on the fly to kana then to kanji. You need to be careful with the kanji conversion and have to train the computer a little to pick the correct ones.

[aak1]

Alright I got it now!
Thanks for the answers