You either had to use third-party Emoji apps from the App Store to access it or use emoticons via the clunky Japanese Romaji keyboard. Not anymore, Emoji is now a standard international keyboard ...

After activating the Japanese Romaji keyboard (used to enter Roman-style characters), reader Davide Crudo noted that a new character key appears on the numbers keyboard: the "^_^" smile.

If you’ve spent any time learning Japanese or just getting around Japan, you’ve probably come across romaji — the Roman alphabet version of Japanese. It shows up on signs, maps, train stations and in ...

Here's a rundown on how the Romaji keyboard works, though; apparently it comes pre-installed on most Japanese iPhones. Do with that what you will. In any event, congratulations!

Tap “Add New Keyboard” then scroll down and select Japanese > Romaji. With that keyboard enabled, head back to an app with a keyboard. Tap and hold the world icon, then select the Romaji keyboard.