Should I buy a book or not?

[DarkEly]

Hello I am new to learning Japanese and I've been finding myself overloaded with options... books, classes, and many other things. From what I am getting I should probably start out with learning Hiragana and go on from that point. Some people tell me that I can learn without using books (as in strictly online) but I am somewhat doubtful of this…

Additional notes: I am not able to take any courses sadly so I am self-teaching also I am in the USA and I do not know anyone who speaks Japanese…

[Glenn]

I'm sure lots of people will suggest using the Genki series of books. They're pretty highly acclaimed. I'd get a book if I were you. I got a few when I was starting (though Genki wasn't one of them... my teacher made his own materials).

[DarkEly]

I've actually seen that book on Amazon a few times and it looks promising but still thinking about it. I figure I would need more than one book also - too bad that learning a language is not a one book fits all sort of thing lol.

EDIT: also I've heard from quite a few people (well read online) that listening to Japanese podcast's and things like that help out too. I think that would help but in my case I could read raw manga (Japanese - untranslated). By the way not to sound rude but if you don't know what manga here is a summary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manga.

[FinancialWar]

you should watch Naruto and pick up Japanese girls from Asian nightclubs.

[Glenn]

EDIT: also I've heard from quite a few people (well read online) that listening to Japanese podcast's and things like that help out too. I think that would help but in my case I could read raw manga (Japanese - untranslated).

Well, on that note you could try Japanese the Manga Way: An Illustrated Guide to Grammar and Structure. I've looked at it, and it seems OK. There's also the site アニメ・マンガの日本語 Japanese in Anime & Manga, which I looked at and also thought was OK. I don't read much manga, though.

[DarkEly]

you should watch Naruto and pick up Japanese girls from Asian nightclubs.

get stuffed
___
@Glenn thank you for some useful information.

EDIT: @Glenn as for books I am thinking about getting Japanese Hiragana & Katakana for Beginners I would post an amazon link but I don't think I'm allowed.

[ewww]

DarkEly, I voted for book, because I am oldschool and I prefer book to any other source of information.
BTW, there are many books, and ... I beleive that You should try before buy. P2P is good answer for that: search torrent or donkey, download and try. At least You will see if books are working for You. Buy one, if it works.

I would strongly suggest to take a classes, because classes provides well structured lessons and on regular basis. Regular practice is very important.

I beleive that You can easily find japanese speaking people in Your neighborhood. Japan America Society has many branches across america, and they usually keep many social activities. You may try to find local shinto temples also - You will be surprised how many them in america. Usually there is very good community around temple and they have many free activities, so You will easily find japanese speaking people here.

Good luck.

[Uncle Frank]

seeing if your local library has any good books or programs you can try for free. Check your phone book to see if there are any "Japan American Society" branches are near you. Maybe when colleges start back up , you can find a Japanese exchange student to help you out. How about any Japanese restaurants in your area? You might have to pay for lessons if you find someone , but it might be worth checking into.

Uncle Frank

[ewww]

How about any Japanese restaurants in your area?

I would not rely on Japanese restaurant in our area. Most of them has Japanese name, and menu, but staff is international. I know one place in
my habitat area, owner and staff are japanese, and they even have hall with very low tables, but it is more exception than rule.

[Glenn]

It seems like all the Japanese restaurants around here are owned and run by Chinese people.

[Uncle Frank]

My last Japanese class instructor worked at a local BeniKay(sic). Our State university here in Portland has anywhere from 10 to 30 Japanese students every year. My church helps sponsor a group of Japanese students every summer who come to study English . Seems strange to have so many Japanese so far from their home.

Uncle Frank

[akiyamine]

Start with book, then :
Watch GAKI NO TSUKAI in japanese without subs !!!
watch them all and you will see some improvment, you will also laugh your *** off at the same time !
especially "gaki downtown talk" when you improved a bit more !
Look it up on youtube !