Since Japanese input requires switching between Roman and kana entry modes, and also conversion between kana and kanji (as discussed below), there are usually several special keys on the keyboard.

• 究竟汉字甚麽时候从中国传到日本没有定论，不过一般认为，汉字是于公元5世纪随着一些佛教僧侣将中国的经书带到日本而传入的。