If you are using Microsoft/Mac Operating Systems, then the method to get the Japanese characters is easy:

For WIN98/ME:

Install any version of Microsoft Word, then download this file -->Global IME for WIN98/ME

Alternate for WIN98/ME:

Download IE6 (Internet Explorer 6) at -->IE6

Go through the set-up, the install program will ask if you agree to Microsoft's agreement, say yes. Then the set-up will ask if you want to Typical Install, or do a Minimal/Custom Install. DO THE MINIMAL/CUSTOM install. There will be a list of different install selections, scroll down the list until you come across "Multi Language support". Select "Language Auto Selection", "Japanese Text Display Support", and "Japanese Text Input Support". If the set-up asks you to download some more components from the Internet, say yes, the set-up will download the needed files. Then all you have to do is wait.

WIN2000/XP:

The easiest way to install IME for these two Operating Systems is to, install Office XP, and Global IME from here --> Global IME

WIN2000/XP Alternative:

Mac OS9:

Mac OSX (10):

To our knowledge, Mac OSX(10) installs Japanese Language support automatically. Refer to your Mac OSX instruction booklet.

We are not sure that Linux operating systems support Japanese texts, but we are researching more information.