$5 on Stars if u find a US computer manufacturer that ships to Japan

[JamesAt15]

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why dont you just reinstall the OS ...
...
but theres always amazon.com as well


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Japanese computers use a different keyboard layout that is a bit funky, with several special characters in different places. If you reinstall with a western OS and use the US keyboard format, the markings on the keys won't match what you get when you type.

Also, Amazon.com (US store) does not ship electronics to Japan.

FWIW, tell the guy to pick up a copy of the free Metropolis magazine that is available at many bookstores and restaurants that foreigners frequent. Last I checked there were a couple of local companies that advertise in it that sell PCs with US-style keyboards and OS. Lots of classified as well, so he may find someone selling a similar used PC for cheap.