The Japanese version games are basically compatible with only the Japanese version Windows/game consoles. However, here is some information on how to play the Japanese version games on the non-Japanese version Windows/game consoles.



Note: The information below is intended only to be a helpful guide and may not be 100% updated in comparison with some of the information you may find elsewhere with regard to playing imported games.

Windows
Sony PlayStation 3
Sony PlayStation PS1/2
Sony PSP
Microsoft Xbox/Xbox 360
Nintendo DS/DS Lite
Nintendo DSi
Nintendo Wii

We recommend you play the Japanese version PC games on the Japanese version Windows.
However, you will be able to play most of the Japanese version PC games on the non-Japanese version Windows by setting up as follows:

*Attention
The text will NOT be displayed in English.
There are some games that can be played only on the Japanese version Windows.
Enable your Windows to display Japanese.

Set up your Windows as follows to display Japanese.
(Windows restart required (twice))

STEP 1: Install Japanese Language Option

Go to the "Control Panel"
Open "Regional and Language Options"
Click on the "Languages" tab

Check the "Install files for East Asian languages" check box

Display Dialog -> OK

Click the "OK" button on the "Regional and Language Options" dialog

Insert Windows CD-ROM

Copy required files

Restart PC

STEP2: Display non-Unicode Language and Regional Option Settings

Go to the "Control Panel"
Open "Regional and Language Options"
Click on the "Regional Options" tab

Select "Japanese" from the pull-down menu at the "Standards and Formats" section

Click on the "Advanced" tab

Select "Japanese" from the pull-down menu at the "Language for non-Unicode Programs" section

Click the "OK" button on the "Regional and Language Options" dialog

Restart PC

Additional Setting: AppLocale

Some Japanese version PC games may also have a region checker.
This can be bypassed by installing the Microsoft AppLocale program.
Download AppLocale from Microsoft [image]

Install AppLocale [image]

Launch AppLocale [image]

Select game application [image]

Select Japanese language [image]

Finish AppLocale [image]


Sony PlayStation 3

Though any reliable information hasn't been found yet, there is some information about PS3 on Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ps3

Sony PlayStation PS1/2

PS1/PS2 are designed to be able to play games only from their manufactured region. The 100% guaranteed method to be able to play imported Japanese games is to purchase the Japanese manufactured versions of PS1/PS2. One of the most common ways to play imported games on a foreign console system is to have a mod-chip installed. There are many websites on the internet that go into more details on how to obtain/use a mod-chip on your PS1/PS2. Please note that HimeyaShop is not able to directly give out information on mod-chips because the installation/use of a mod-chip in a console will void the manufacturer's warranty on the console. Take great care and time before investing in the mod-chip method, although it's a proven method to play imported games. However, there are a few alternative solutions to get imported games to run on PS1/PS2. For PS1, simple use of the Gameshark device can allow imported games to be played. For PS2, the HD-Loader Kit can be used to play imported games. But same as the case with the mod-chip, HimeyaShop recommends you search for information on the internet before investing time/effort into any of these methods as some can be a little tricky.

Sony PSP

The games for the Japanese version PSP are not built with a region lockout, so playing imported games should work with no extra tricks or modding.

Microsoft Xbox/Xbox 360

Same as the case with PS1/PS2, Xbox/Xbox 360 are designed to be able to play games only from its manufactured region. And like PS1/PS2, the most common way to play imported games on Xbox/Xbox 360 is to have a mod-chip installed. There are many websites on the internet that go into more details on how to obtain/use a mod-chip on your Xbox/Xbox 360. Please note that HimeyaShop is not able to directly give out information on mod-chips because the installation/use of a mod-chip in a console will void the manufacturer's warranty on the console. Take great care and time before investing in the mod-chip method although it's a proven method to play imported games.

Nintendo DS/DS Lite

The games for the Japanese version Nintendo DS/DS Lite are not built with a region lockout, so playing imported games should work with no extra tricks or modding.

Nintendo DSi

Though no reliable information has been found yet, you can check some information regarding Nintendo DSi on Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DSi

Nintendo Wii

No reliable information has been found on to successfully play imported games on Nintendo Wii. HimeyaShop strongly suggests you visiting your favorite Nintendo Wii resource websites and see if any new information regarding this subject has been released.