How to Change a Japanese Car’s Language to English

It is common in Kenya to hear Japanese on a car’s navigation system. For many motorists who import vehicles directly from Japan, the excitement of owning a new car is often quickly followed by confusion, especially when the navigation system is completely unfamiliar.

Japan remains one of Kenya’s largest sources of imported vehicles, particularly for popular brands like Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda. Because these cars are designed primarily for Japanese drivers, their systems, like navigation, audio, and vehicle settings, are configured in Japanese by default.

For those whose systems are in Japanese, changing the system to English is often simple through these steps.

Also Read: Why I Imported My Mazda CX-5 Instead of Buying Locally

Step 1: Switch Off and Restart the Car

Before attempting to change the language, it is advisable to switch off the car completely. This helps reset the system and ensures that any changes you make are properly registered.

After a few seconds, restart the vehicle and allow the navigation system to fully boot up. 

Also read: My 5-Year Journey with a Toyota Wish: A Family Car That Just Works

Step 2: Locate the Language Settings

Once the system is on, navigate through the menu to find the language option. In most vehicles, this is labelled as “Language” or “LANG.”

If everything is in Japanese, look for familiar icons such as a globe symbol or settings, which often lead to language options.

After selecting the language menu, choose English as your preferred language. Once confirmed, the system should immediately switch.

Also Read: I Regret Buying My 2006 Nissan X-Trail

Step 3: Use Your Smartphone as a Guide

If you cannot find the setting because of a language barrier, download the Google Translate app and enable the camera feature.

On some smartphones, the feature is already on the camera of the phones (often Google image search). Afterwards, point your phone at the car’s screen, and the app will translate the Japanese text into English in real time.

This method is especially useful because it allows you to understand each step before selecting it, reducing the risk of changing the wrong settings.

Also Read: Why I Will Never Sell My 2002 Toyota Mark II

Step 4: Check the Type of System Installed

Not all car systems are the same. Some older Japanese imports use DVD-based navigation systems rather than GPS-enabled software.

If your system relies on a DVD, changing the language may require purchasing an English-compatible disc. 

This can often be sourced through car dealers, import agents, or online platforms.

In such cases, the language cannot be changed through settings alone—you will need to replace or update the system software using the correct disc.