[alyss]

The best way to start learning is to start learning. The best way to continue learning is to continue learning. I'm totally serious- the more time you spend studying, however you do it, the better. The more Japanese you hear the more it'll be in your head. The more words you learn the more things you'll be able to say and understand. Etc. You should do at least a little everyday. I used to practice 2-3 hours a day, even more when i was in Japan, but half an hour a day of hard practicing will still get you there pretty fast.

More specifically, first learn some basic grammar. I can't really recommend any specific texts (because I've used so many only briefly and never found any really super good ones), but there's lots out there. If you have questions ask me or other people on the board, or maybe find some Japanese people. I made at least one really good friend that way and learned a lot from him.

As soon as you are able to understand enough (with generous use of the dictionary), try to read things in Japanese. Children's books can be good (especially western ones in Japanese), pop songs can be pretty easy sometimes too.

Oh and I almost forgot, learn hiragana and katakana as soon as possible