japanese text

[Tat]

i can't see japanese text on my computer - if i look at a japanese web page for example it's all funny boxes and stuff. how can i get it so i can read it (i can read japanese before any of you try to be funny ;))! can i download it for free? cheers xx

[Dave Potts]

If you can't see the Japanese text you probably need to install the appropriate language pack. I don't know which browser you use, but if its Microsoft IE normally if you go onto a webpage with Japanese text (eg http://www.amazon.co.jp ) the browser will automatically throw up a grey box that says "To display language characters correctly you need to install the following language pack: Japanese". Just click on the install button and Robert's your father's brother. If the grey box doesn't come up automatically go to VIEW on the top of the screen, ENCODING, MORE then JAPANESE which should then bring up the installation prompt. If you use a browser like Mozilla try VIEW, CHARACTER ENCODING then JAPANESE. If Netscape Nav is your poison I have not the slightest clue as I don't use it meself. Moshi moshi etc...

[David H]

I am amazed! I often look up Japanese websites as their cars are far more interesting than any others (ie for the Japanese market only). Every time I loaded them, a little box came up saying 'to view this page you need to download the Japanese character viewer'. It takes about 30 minutes on an old computer so probably about 10 on a modern one. It's free, as are all language and translation programmes, so if you try a few random .co.jp sites it should pop one up, unless of course you use a blocker. That would explain why you didn't get the usual box.