Abstract
1. In most computer software, the Japanese alphabet can be inputted by using Roman characters ; however, conversions of Roman characters for the Japanese alphabet are not consistent with various computer software. 2 . We examined the conversion of Roman characters for the Japanese alphabet in seven different kinds of computer software and found dissimilarity in the conversion systems. 3 . Although we have three different systems for the conversion of Roman characters for the Japanese alphabet, mixed systems of all of them are found in most computer software. 4 . Most computer software is common in basic conversions of Roman characters for the Japanese alphrabet, however, they still have many different conversion systems. Double conversions are as follows : in the KA line of the Japanese alphabet, both K and C are used. However, in SA line CI and CE are also used SHI and SE, respectively. The C style has never been used for Roman character systems; it is used only for the computer software. One of the confusing conversions is found in the RA line, where R is usually applied; L is applied for the RA line in certain software (EG Brige. VJE-β, Matsutake and Katana). However, in the other software (Atok, WXII^+, BASIC. OASYS 30ms), L is applied for the contracted sound line, but not for the RA Iine. For example, XTU and LTU are used for the same Japanese alphabet. In most conversion systems, for the representat, ion of the contracted sound, double consonant letters are followed just after the character. However, both EG-Brige and VJE-β software do not have such conversion systems. In the VA line, some Roman characters do not correspond with the same Japanese alphabet, I.e. VA, GWA. Another confusing usage is mixed representations for the old Japanese alphabet and the modern Japanese alphabet. 5. It is necessary to make greater, if not complete, consistency among conversion systems of the Roman characters for the Japanese alphabet.
