I want to type japanese characters but I can't setup japanese keyboard. I added new japanese language in settings but it seems that I only can type latin characters with it.
I tried to use IBus, but it sounds like IBus doesn't override system-specified keyboard and I can't find any setting to set IBus as system-default keyboard manager.
Go to system settings, then "language & region" and use the "plus symbol" in the lower left of the window to add Japanese as an language. Set region and format as you like. These steps might be optional, I didn't try.
Then click to keyboard settings (lower most left big button). Again click the "plus symbol" on the lower left and search for japanese. When you single click to it, choose a layout to your liking. You can inspect the layout with the small button on the lower left depicting a small latin "a". For some reason the Standard layout is not with any japanese symbols.
Also note that in the same main window you got additional "input method settings" as a button on the lower right.
Reboot or logout to make the new keyboard settings work. You should now have a symbol in the top menu bar where you can switch and inspect your configured keyboard languages & layouts.
If you have issues with IBus not being the "default input method" you can follow the instructions from here: How can I use IBus as the default input method?
If you need other layouts like Hiragana you can check out the instructions here: https://askubuntu.com/questions/28669/how-do-i-get-keyboard-to-write-hiragana-instead-of-katakana
If you like the terminal you can always use sudo dpkg-reconfigure keyboard-configuration for the same stuff.
As a sitenote: I just messed up my own keyboard settings with trying this and for some reason I always need two configured languages for the keyboard so it's working properly.
Please note Keyobard layout and Input Method are seperated. Keyboard layout should follow your physical keyboard. Then add the required Input Method.
Also, for the Japanese keyboard layout found in eOS. I found no way to do transform and only Katakana can be inputted.
For adding Input Method, please follow these steps.
Keyboard > Input Method Settings...
IBus Preferences > Input Method > Add
Pick the required language
Under General tag, set the Keyboard Shortcuts for changing input method. Tweak other settings to fit your needs.
*Please note Show icon on system tray don't work by default as eOS removed support.
Here is the pop-up menu for changing input method.
Choosing character type by clcking that A.
Problems solved with installation of im-config and setting ibus method. ありがとう！
