There are apparently two ways to work a Japanese keyboard:
-
type alphabetic characters (romaji) and translate them. ( t+a = ta, t+e = te, and so on)
-
every key is assigned a single kana (q = ta, w = te and so on).
No one I know uses the second method.
Somehow the IME (on Windows XP) got switched into the second method.
How can I switch it back?
Update: I have restarted the computer in the mean-time, and that put it back to normal.
Best Answer
Try Alt + ` to toggle direct kana input.
On a Japanese keyboard, try Alt + the カタカナ|ひらがな|ローマ字 key (to the right of the space key).
With Windows 7 you get a confirmation dialog in case you accidentally hit this key combination.