How to Type Japanese at 80 WPM

How to Type Japanese at 80 WPM: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Typing in Japanese requires converting phonetic input into characters and navigating three writing systems, making it different from English typing. Achieving 80 WPM allows for fluid typing that matches natural speech. Many learners struggle due to poor foundational skills and ineffective practice. The average typing speed is 40-60 WPM, with professionals reaching 60-80 WPM. The journey to 80 WPM can take weeks to a year, and this guide provides a structured approach to reach that goal.

日本語のタイピングは、音声入力を文字に変換し、3つの文字体系を使いこなす必要があるため、英語のタイピングとは異なります。1分間に80語のタイピング速度を達成すれば、自然な話し言葉に近い流暢なタイピングが可能になります。多くの学習者は、基礎スキルの不足や効果的な練習方法の欠如により、タイピングに苦労しています。平均的なタイピング速度は1分間に40～60語ですが、プロは1分間に60～80語に達します。1分間に80語を習得するには数週間から1年かかる場合があり、このガイドではその目標達成のための体系的なアプローチを提供します。

What Is Considered a Fast Japanese Typing Speed?

Understanding Typing Levels

• Beginner (0–30 WPM): Learning character keys, slow typing, frequent keyboard glances.
• Intermediate (30–60 WPM): Basic skills established, less stopping but hesitations on kanji.
• Advanced (60–80+ WPM): Fluid typing, minimal keyboard reliance, focus on writing.

Professional Benchmarks:

• Office Workers: Typically 60–80 WPM.
• Translators: Usually 80–100 WPM.
• Transcriptionists: Ranges from 90–120 WPM.
• Competitive Typists: Often reach 150–200+ WPM.

Speed Significance

• 80 WPM is considered fast and suitable for office work, real-time note-taking, and professional careers requiring fluency in Japanese.

Understanding Japanese Typing Systems

The text outlines two methods for typing Japanese: 

Romaji Typing

• Involves typing phonetically using the QWERTY keyboard.
• IME converts input into hiragana, katakana, or kanji.
• Feels natural for English speakers but requires more keystrokes (e.g., 5 for 日本).

Kana Typing

• Maps individual hiragana characters directly to keyboard keys.
• Faster at high speeds due to fewer keystrokes but has a steep learning curve.
• Requires memorizing a new key layout, making initial typing skills less useful.

Most fast typists in Japanese use kana typing, which takes time to master.

Kana vs Romaji Typing Speed Comparison

Which Method Is Better for Reaching 80 WPM?

For most people, romaji typing is the preferred method to achieve 80 WPM because it allows for immediate progress without the need to learn a new keyboard layout, leveraging existing English typing muscle memory. While kana typing can be beneficial for those aiming for professional speeds of 100+ WPM, romaji is a smarter choice for reaching a practical goal of 80 WPM.

Read Also: How to Improve Japanese Typing Speed

Set Up Your Japanese Typing Environment Correctly

Ensure your setup is optimal before starting to type in Japanese to avoid hindrance in progress.

Install a Japanese IME (Input Method Editor) for typing in Japanese.

On Windows

• Go to Settings → Time & Language → Language.
• Add the Japanese language and install the language pack, which includes Microsoft IME.

Switch between English and Japanese using Alt + ~ or the language bar.

On Mac

• Go to System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources.
• Add “Japanese — Romaji” or “Japanese — Kana.”
• Toggle input modes using Control + Space or the menu bar icon.

Google Japanese Input vs Microsoft IME

Both are solid choices, but they have real differences:

Keyboard Layout Recommendations

• QWERTY keyboards are sufficient for Romaji typing.
• Japanese keyboards have extra keys for kana and yen, useful for later but not necessary for beginners.
• Mechanical keyboards reduce finger fatigue and are ideal for frequent typers; Cherry MX Brown or Red switches are recommended.

Essential IME Shortcuts

Memorise these from day one: they will save you enormous time:

• F6: Convert to hiragana
• F7: Convert to full-width katakana
• F8: Convert to half-width katakana
• F9: Convert to full-width romaji
• F10: Convert to half-width romaji
• Space: Trigger kanji conversion
• Enter: Confirm selected conversion
• Escape: Cancel conversion and return to raw input

Learn Proper Touch Typing Fundamentals

Master Basics of Touch Typing: Focus on foundational skills before language-specific techniques.

Finger Placement: Use the home row positions: 

• Left hand: A (pinky), S (ring), D (middle), F (index)
• Right hand: J (index), K (middle), L (ring), (pinky)
• Thumbs should rest near the spacebar.

Maintain Good Posture: Keep wrists elevated, elbows at 90 degrees, and screen at eye level to prevent fatigue.

Eliminate Keyboard Watching: Avoid looking at the keyboard to improve speed; use cloths or covers to break the habit.

Build Muscle Memory: Practice typing rows of keys, focus on problem keys, and repeat common combinations regularly.

Prioritize Accuracy: Aim for over 97% accuracy before increasing speed; avoid sacrificing accuracy during practice.

Step 1 – Master Hiragana and Katakana Typing (Target: 30–40 WPM)

Milestone: Master typing all hiragana and katakana characters automatically as a foundation.

Hiragana Typing Practice

• Start with five vowels: a (あ), i (い), u (う), e (え), o (お).
• Move through consonant rows in order, practicing each until it feels automatic.
• Daily drill: Type each row 10 times without looking and try to improve your time.

Katakana Typing Practice

• Uses the same romaji input as hiragana; recognizes when to switch to katakana.
• Practice common katakana words like コーヒー, テレビ, and パソコン.
• Be cautious of long vowel sounds, represented by the dash (ー).

Recommended Exercises

• Use a hiragana drill tool (e-Typing’s kana practice mode).
• Type out hiragana charts from memory daily.
• Practice typing your name in katakana.
• Copy short Japanese children’s book sentences.

Speed Goal: Achieve 30–40 WPM using basic kana words.

Step 2 – Increase Speed Through Common Japanese Vocabulary (Target: 50–60 WPM)

• Once you master kana typing, focus on building vocabulary-level speed by practicing word patterns instead of individual characters.
• Concentrate on high-frequency Japanese words you use daily, such as ありがとう (thank you), 日本 (Japan), and 時間 (time).
• Practice phrases composed of these words to improve transitions and overall speed, as phrases are more challenging than single words.
• Create a personal list of 50 frequently used words and type through this list three times at the start of each practice session to enhance your typing speed.
• Aim for a speed milestone of 50–60 WPM in vocabulary-level typing tests.

Know more about: Why Long Text Typing Feels Difficult

Step 3 – Practice Full Japanese Sentences (Target: 60–70 WPM)

• Japanese Typing: Typing involves managing kanji, grammar, and meaning in sentences, presenting a greater challenge than typing isolated words.
• Sentence Practice: Practicing sentences creates a more natural typing flow compared to isolated words.
• Reading Ahead: Improve speed by reading 3–5 characters ahead while typing.
• Copy-Typing: Build speed through copy-typing using resources like Japanese Wikipedia, children’s stories, and easy news.
• News Articles: NHK Web Easy provides simple articles for practice, updated daily and in complete sentences.
• Speed Goal: Aim for 60–70 words per minute on full sentence tests.

Step 4 – Train Like Professional Japanese Typists (Target: 70–80 WPM)

To improve typing speed from 70 to 80 WPM, focus on refining technique and using professional training methods:

• Timed Typing Sessions: Perform three daily sessions—one warm-up, one speed-push to break records, and one accuracy-focused session.
• Blind Typing Practice: Practice typing without visual feedback to enhance confidence and muscle memory.
• Real-Time Dictation Exercises: Type along with Japanese audio (podcasts, anime, news) to develop transcription skills.
• Transcription Methods: Transcribe short Japanese audio clips, gradually reducing playback frequency while increasing typing speed.
• Goal: Achieve consistent typing speeds of 70–80 WPM with natural Japanese text.

Daily Practice Plan to Reach 80 WPM Faster

Consistency Over Duration: Focus on a 60-minute daily routine for better results than sporadic longer sessions.

Routine Breakdown

• Minutes 1-15: Accuracy Training – Aim for 98%+ accuracy using character drills or typing charts.
• Minutes 16-30: Vocabulary Drills – Practice high-frequency words and common Japanese phrases, typing words as units.
• Minutes 31-45: Speed Tests – Take timed tests, aiming for your best score while continuing despite errors.
• Minutes 46-60: Sentence Typing – Copy-type passages to incorporate accuracy, speed, vocabulary, and kanji conversion.

Optional Extras 

• 10 minutes of dictation practice
• Review misconverted kanji
• Transcribe a short audio clip.

Common Mistakes That Prevent You from Reaching 80 WPM

• Looking at the Keyboard: Avoid glancing at the keyboard to enhance touch typing and maintain reading rhythm.
• Ignoring Accuracy: Prioritize accuracy over speed; high speed with many errors is not useful.
• Using Incorrect Finger Placement: Ensure all fingers are actively used to prevent fatigue and improve speed.
• Practicing Too Infrequently: Engage in frequent, short practice sessions for better skill development.
• Overusing the Backspace Key: Resist correcting errors during practice to maintain rhythm; review mistakes afterward.
• Switching Input Methods Constantly: Stick to one input method to build effective muscle memory.

How Long Does It Take to Reach 80 WPM in Japanese?

The honest answer: it depends, but here is a realistic timeline.

Factors That Affect Your Progress

• Practice Frequency: Daily practice (even 30 minutes) is more effective than longer, less frequent sessions.
• Input Method Choice: Using Romaji allows for faster initial typing speed, while Kana can lead to greater long-term potential.
• Existing Typing Experience: Strong touch typists in English have an advantage in finger discipline and speed.
• Japanese Language Proficiency: A richer vocabulary reduces mental strain during typing, increasing speed

Expert Tips to Increase Japanese Typing Speed Quickly

• Focus on Accuracy First: Prioritize building a solid foundation of accurate typing before increasing speed.
• Learn Common Word Patterns: Master the top 500 most common Japanese words to significantly boost typing speed.
• Use Typing Tests Regularly: Take at least one timed typing test per week for accurate progress tracking, using the same platform for consistency.
• Practice With Native Content: Type real Japanese content to better mirror actual language use and improve familiarity with word patterns and grammar.
• Track Progress Weekly: Maintain a log of WPM and accuracy to monitor progress and stay motivated, especially during plateaus.

Conclusion

To reach 80 WPM in Japanese, focus on a good IME and keyboard, along with strong touch typing skills. Follow four stages: mastering kana, expanding vocabulary, practicing sentences, and high-intensity training. Romaji can help you reach your goal faster, while kana offers greater potential. Dedicate 60 minutes daily to accuracy, vocabulary, speed tests, and sentence typing. Be consistent, avoid mistakes, and track progress weekly. Your timeline will vary from weeks to a year. Start by using e-Typing, timing yourself for 15 minutes, and practice without looking at the keyboard.
日本語で 80 WPM を達成するには、優れた IME とキーボード、そして強力なタッチタイピングスキルに重点を置きます。次の 4 つの段階に従ってください: かなの習得、語彙の拡張、文章の練習、高強度トレーニング。ローマ字は目標達成を早めるのに役立ちますが、かなはより大きな可能性を秘めています。毎日 60 分を正確性、語彙、スピード テスト、文章のタイピングに費やしてください。継続し、間違いを避け、毎週進捗状況を記録してください。期間は数週間から 1 年まで個人差があります。e-Typing を使用して、15 分間時間を計り、キーボードを見ずに練習することから始めましょう。

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 80 WPM fast for Japanese typing? 

The average Japanese typist types at 40–60 words per minute (WPM), while 80 WPM is considered professional and suitable for various tasks like office work, writing, translation, and correspondence.

How many characters per minute is 80 WPM? 

Approximately 80 WPM in Japanese equates to 200–240 CPM, and some tools measure typing speed directly in CPM for accuracy.

Is Kana typing faster than Romaji typing? 

Kana typing is faster at high skill levels but harder to learn; romaji offers a quicker path to 80 WPM.

What is the average Japanese typing speed? 

Most studies and typing platforms suggest that average Japanese typists fall between 40 and 60 WPM. Office workers tend to sit at the higher end of that range, while casual users are often below 40 WPM.