1. Explicitly specifying document coding

    Explicitly specifying document coding when editing files with emacs (instead of putting the %-*- coding: line in the file).

    To edit the file, start emacs without specifying the file name, then specify the coding for the next command, and then load the file. To do this type CTRL-x RET c or use the "Mule" pulldown menu,

    (Options ->) mule -> set coding system -> next-command
    

    It will prompt you for a coding system. Type in a choice such as japanese-shift-jis. Or, you can see all possible coding systems by pressing "TAB", and choose one with the mouse (middle button). Now load the file with CRTL-X CTRL-F or whatever.

  2. Explicitly specifying input method

    Type CTRL-x RET CTRL-\ or
    (Options ->) mule -> select input method
    
    And then select japanese. An "A" and hiragana "a" will appear at the left end of the status line at the bottom of the emacs window. Now you can enter japanese in the usual way. To switch back to english just type CTRL-\.