The current Macintosh OS does have Japanese language support. However, please be aware that the majority of Japanese games are designed specifically for Windows. The amount of Mac-compatible Japanese games is very limited.
Instructions for how to enable Japanese language support for Macintosh has been provided by Yume from the Boys' Love Games Headquarters Message Board and is reprinted here with permission.
Please note that the Macintosh OS and software were all updated prior to switching languages.
1. Open System Preferences.
2. Click on "International".
3. Click the Language tab.
4. Click the "Edit List" button. A language list will appear.
5. Scroll down to Japanese. It will be in Japanese characters (“ú–{Œê). Then click the check mark box and click OK.
6. Japanese will be in the Languages list on the left (it may be either first or second in the list with respect to your preferred language).
7. If Japanese is listed first in the Languages list, then close the International box and restart the Mac. If your preferred language is first, then click and drag Japanese to the top of the list. Then close the International window and restart the Mac. Once it is restarted, the computer will be in Japanese language mode.
You should now be ready to play your Japanese game.
NOTE: There are a yellow triangle warning sign and a talk bubble with an exclamation point informing that you might want to change what they advise. I did not think it necessary for myself. Do what you think is appropriate for your Mac.
Boys' Love Games Headquarters Complete Idiot's Guide to Japanese Gaming © March 2009
Macintosh Installation Guide presented by and copyright of Yume @ Boys' Love Games Headquarters Message Board
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