Windows 10: Japanese IME does not work; unable to switch to Hiragana

I just installed the Japanese language package but I cannot switch from "Direct input" to "Hiragata" or other option.
I've re-installed the package, tried some advised solutions in the previous threads about same problem, but no luck.

:)

 

Can't type hiragana on Japanese IME keyboard after updating to Windows 10

Microsoft support suggests that you can use the hotkeys
to switch between input modes quickly:

• Press + to change the input language
• Press + to change to Hiragana
• Press + to change to Katakana
• Press + to toggle between alphanumeric and kana modes

As a side note: if you were really intent on making Hiragana your default input, you could write an
AutoHotkey script to do this for you. However, this involves understanding that scripting language.

source:
http://superuser.com/questions/180188/microsoft-ime-japanese-force-hiragana-input-by-default?rq=1

 

Japanese IME Not Working

I use Japanese on and off and have been working in the past. At some point it stopped working. When switch to Japanese, the 'A' isn't there like it used to be and there is not option to switch to hiragana, kana as it is not there anymore.

I have tried all the shortcuts, uninstall Japanese language pack, and replaced some files in the IME folder from a working Windows 10 pc (virtual box).

I am running 1903 and Windows update is up to date.

 

Shortcut key for switching between hiragana and katakana mode in japanese IME?

I have just read the answer to this question: Japanese IME hiragana toggle keys? and
while ALT+SHIFT works as it should for toggling language, the suggested
ALT+~ to toggle kana mode doesn't work. Does anyone know if this has changed since?