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This is non-negotiable. You need to read kana before you can do anything else. Romaji is a crutch — drop it as soon as possible.

Learn the core sentence structures: は/が particles, です/ます polite forms, basic verb conjugations, and question patterns. Don't memorize rules in isolation — always learn from example sentences.

Learn the ~800 most common words. Focus on words you'll actually use: greetings, numbers, time, food, basic verbs and adjectives. Use spaced repetition — it's the most efficient way to retain vocabulary.

Start with the ~100 JLPT N5 kanji. Learn each kanji with vocabulary — not in isolation. Knowing that 食 means 'eat' is useless unless you also know 食べる (taberu) and 食事 (shokuji).

Master て-form first — it unlocks dozens of grammar patterns. Then learn ない-form, た-form, and potential form. Practice until conjugation is reflexive, not something you have to think about.

Japanese uses different counter words for different objects. 人 for people, 匹 for small animals, 本 for long objects. It's one of those things that just needs drilling.

A structured textbook ties everything together. Genki is the most popular choice for self-study — it covers grammar, vocabulary, kanji, and exercises in a logical order. Use it alongside the tools on this site.

Tools and textbooks can only take you so far. Real progress comes from exposure to actual Japanese: anime (with Japanese subtitles), NHK News Web Easy, manga, podcasts, and eventually conversation.