Why can't Microsoft make Hiragana the default input in the Japanese IME keyboard setup?

Question

So, why on earth can't Microsoft make Hiragana the default input in the Japanese IME keyboard setup?

This profoundly frustrating issue has been raised by a lot of people over more than 10 years. Over that time, we have been getting incessant update packs for all imaginable and unimaginable minor and obscure issues. Layers upon layers of all kinds of ridiculously useless functionality, inane UI updates, and inexplicable tweaks have been thrust upon us. Throughout that giant flurry of activity, the hiragana default issue has been raised multiple times by multiple people in these forums, only to be conveniently fobbed off.

The question now is: how can we convey to the Microsoft Windows development team that hiragana needs to be the default input method in the Japanese IME input because that is how the Japanese language actually works? It is a matter of utter importance and daily frustration for tens of millions of people around the world who type Japanese on their computers. How can we impress that urgency upon the developers and finally have this resolved once and for all?

Answer 1

Hi Default user,

Thank you for posting in the Microsoft Q&A Forum, and apologies for the delayed response. I’ve just been assigned to your case and I’m happy to guide you to the appropriate channel for submitting feedback.

Use the Feedback Hub in Windows:

• Press Win + F or search for Feedback Hub.
• Submit feedback under Input and Language > IME.
• Include keywords like: “Japanese IME default input Hiragana”.
• Upvote similar feedback to amplify visibility.

I hope this gives a good starting point, especially for those who rely on typing in Japanese daily.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with and have a great day!