How to type in Japanese

In order to input Japanese you need to install Japanese as an input method. To do this:

1. Search for language settings on your computer.
2. Go to the preferred languages section and click +
3. Type Japanese, select Japanese, install.

Alternatively for some older systems:
Go to Settings > General > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard > Japanese – Romaji (do NOT select Kana) > Done.

In order to actually use the IME you need to swap input languages. Go to your taskbar and look for either a ENG/EN text or JP text. Clicking this will bring up a list of languages to select from. Select Japanese. You’ll either see an A or あ. Clicking it will toggle between them. A is English, あ is Japanese. You may also right click to see more options. The direct input option uses a Japanese keyboard layout (it has kana on the keys). Hardly anyone uses this.

The default shortcuts should be Ctrl + Shift to change input languages, and Shift + Caps to changing between romaji and kana input. You can check in the IME settings by right clicking the IME.

Here’s another site with a guide with more pictures (assumes latest windows). it has a bit of pop-up ads though so be warned.