If you've imported a car from Japan—whether a Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, or Honda—there's a high chance the infotainment system arrived locked in Japanese language, complete with Japanese maps, Japanese radio frequencies, and menus you can't navigate.
It's one of the most common frustrations among Kenyan car owners today.
The good news?
You can convert most Japanese systems to English—but the process depends heavily on the car model, the head unit type, and the available software.
This guide explains everything you need to know.
Why Japanese Imports Come in Japanese Only
Japan develops car infotainment systems specifically for their domestic market. That means:
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Software uses Japanese characters.
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Navigation maps cover only Japan.
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Radio frequencies use the 76–90 MHz range.
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Some units have region-locked software.
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Manufacturers never intended these units to be exported.
So when the cars land in Mombasa or Nairobi, you're stuck with a system designed exclusively for Japan.
1. Check What Type of Head Unit You Have
Before any conversion, you MUST identify the head unit type:
(a) Factory OEM Head Units
Examples:
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Toyota NSZT-W66T / NSCP-W64 / NHZN-W62G
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Nissan MM318D-W / MM516D-L
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Mazda Connect (older models)
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Honda Internavi
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Subaru Daichi / Panasonic systems
These are the hardest to convert, because the software is locked and made for Japan-only use.
(b) Aftermarket Japanese Units
Examples:
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Kenwood
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Pioneer
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Alpine
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Clarion
These often support English firmware updates—but not always.
(c) Android Replacements
Many Kenyan owners replace the entire unit with:
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ATOTO
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Sony
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JVC
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Generic Android screens
These offer:
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English by default
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Google Maps, Waze, YouTube
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Full Kenyan radio frequency support
This is sometimes the cheapest and best long-term solution.
2. Methods to Convert Japanese to English
Method 1: Software/Firmware Conversion (When Supported)
Some systems—especially certain Pioneer, Kenwood, and Mazda Connect models—allow for firmware updates.
This may include:
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Language pack updates
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Region-free software
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English menu conversion
?? OEM Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Subaru units rarely support this, as they are locked.
Method 2: SD Card Replacement
Some OEM units store maps and language files on:
Replacing the SD card with a compatible English version sometimes partially converts the system, though not fully.
You may get:
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English navigation
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Partial English menus
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English voice prompts
But not:
Method 3: System Reprogramming (Advanced)
A few specialists in Kenya can:
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Flash the head unit
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Install international firmware
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Unlock hidden language menus
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Remove Japanese navigation restrictions
This method works for certain models, but not all.
Costs range:
? KSh 5,000 – 20,000 depending on complexity.
Method 4: Replace the Unit Entirely
For many cars, especially Toyota OEM screens, the BEST solution is simply replacing the entire unit.
Why replacement makes sense
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Full English support
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YouTube, Netflix, CarPlay, Android Auto
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Online maps (Google or Waze)
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Bluetooth calls and music
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Full radio frequency support
Replacement cost:
? KSh 15,000 – 40,000 depending on size (7", 9", 10")
Most Kenyan car owners end up choosing this route.
3. What You Cannot Change
Regardless of the method, some limitations remain:
? Japanese Maps Cannot Be Converted to Kenyan Maps
OEM navigation systems are locked to Japan's map grid.
? Radio Frequencies May Not Expand
You may be stuck with:
? Voice Commands May Stay in Japanese
Even with language updates.
4. Car Models With Known Limitations
Some cars are notoriously difficult or impossible to convert:
?Toyota OEM units (especially 2012–2020 models)
Very limited language options.
?Nissan OEM units (X-Trail, Serena, Juke)
Almost all Japanese only.
?Honda Internavi
Locked to Japan servers.
?Subaru OEM (Daichi units)
Maps and menus are Japanese only.
If you own these cars, replacement is the recommended solution.
5. Recommended Kenyan Service Providers
When converting, only use reputable professionals.
You can find specialists in:
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Nairobi (Ngara, Kirinyaga Road, Mombasa Road)
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Mombasa (Ganjoni, Majengo)
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Kisumu (CBD electronics shops)
Always ask:
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Do they offer a warranty?
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What parts are they changing?
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Can they demonstrate the English system before payment?
6. Should You Convert or Replace? (Quick Guide)
| Car Type | Conversion Works? | Recommended Action |
| Toyota OEM | ? Mostly No | Replace |
| Nissan OEM | ? No | Replace |
| Honda OEM | ? No | Replace |
| Subaru OEM | ? No | Replace |
| Mazda Connect | ?? Partial | Convert (if 2014+) |
| Aftermarket Japanese | ?? Sometimes | Firmware Update |
| Android Head Unit | ?? Already English | No action needed |
Conclusion: What's the Best Option for Kenyan Drivers?
If your car is a fresh Japanese import, converting the screen to English is POSSIBLE—but very dependent on the head unit type.
?? Best solution for most people?
Replace the unit with an Android or branded international screen.
You get:
It's affordable, future-proof, and far more functional than trying to unlock a Japan-only system.
