Hi Guys,

I have a 2006/2007 Cima that has the key fob instead of a normal key.
Is it dealer only to get the key to work with the car?
http://jp-carparts.com/nissan/part_deta ... 998A%20001
80600ND in the pic above.

There's no real difference between Infiniti and Nissan fobs, and here in the 'States, most locksmiths are able to do fobs for N/I products up to around '13. From '13 up the rolling codes were expanded and the equipment and software are more complicated, so many smithies can't do them. For your '06/'07 timeframe, I'd check with some smithies, there's a good chance you'll find one who can handle N/I fobs.

EEK, the local Nissan Dealership said they would need the car for a whole day to allow time to contact Japan, and are not sure if they will be able to program it anyway. Price of £126 for possible success or failure!

What does it take to program it? If I get a unicode aware Canbus reader, is that enough?

for clarity, there are 3 pieces to make your key/fob fully successful
1) the physical cut of the key to fit lock --I'll assume this is not your issue.
2) programming the RF from the fob to unlock/lock/trunk, etc. by push button remote from the fob.
3) programming the immobiliser circuit so that it interrogates the imbedded transponder chip in your (new) key/fob and allows ignition connection.

So, not 100% clear if your issue is #2, #3 or both. Different solutions for 2 vs. 3

The metal key is only for emergency access, the "key" a black module like this:
https://jdmpcsales.com.au/products/niss ... -smart-key
both opens and allows starts when presented to the ignition start unit on the wheel stalk.

Ideally I want bothto work.

That looks to be a smart RFID key and not an I-key. The immobilizer should be programmable in the same manner as a smart blade key, and virtually all smithies can do that. The buttons are very likely programmable using the same "key-in-out" method as Nissan lollipop keys. See this post:
post6803164.html

According to that post I will get lock and unlock only without the dealership, that is a shame.

What "Consult" or alternative programs are there that are unicode aware? I know that my usual garage cant read the CIMA presumably because his unit is ascii only.

Yes, the NATS/NVIS immobilizer functions and the remote entry functions are separate systems on N/I vehicles with lollipop keys (or separate keys and fobs). So you'll still need a smithy or dealer for the NATS/NVIS. I don't know about DIY software, although I've heard there is some for the early-style RFID keys. Maybe someone else here has experience with that.

Hmm, does anyone know if this is of any use for a Japanese model?
https://cairocar4u.com/Nissan-NATS5-6-P ... Calculator

Dunno specifically for JDM cars, but that works on US models with 5 character codes from '06~'07. I suspect it would work for you.