If you are working on a budget and cannot use the system-bundled version, several free (often Google Fonts) alternatives offer a similar bold, modern aesthetic for both Latin and Japanese characters:

: For a slightly softer but still bold and modern Gothic feel.

: Logo design, billboard signage, UI headlines, and posters. Heisei Kaku Gothic StdN - Adobe Fonts

While you may see websites offering "free downloads" for Hiragino Sans (Kaku Gothic) StdN W9, it is important to understand its legal status:

: Jiyukobo Ltd. (Tsutomu Suzuki, Osamu Torinoumi, Keiichi Katada). Weight : W9 (Ultra Bold/Black). Supported Standards : JIS X 0213:2004 (StdN version).

: While primarily for Latin characters, it is frequently cited as a stylistic match for the clean lines of Hiragino. Key Specifications for Designers

: Good news for Apple users—Hiragino Kaku Gothic is a standard system font bundled with macOS and iOS . If you own a Mac or iPad, you likely already have a legal version installed for personal use within those ecosystems.

The "StdN" version is particularly valuable because it supports the standard, including over 4,500 additional glyphs compared to the standard version, ensuring compatibility with modern Japanese character requirements. Is Hiragino Sans W9 Available for Free?