If you would like to get started learning Japanese, you might be  wondering what is the best way to study it. There are strategies to  learn aside from taking a class or reading a textbook. Keep reading to  discover some interesting ways you can start studying the Japanese  language.
The first thing to do would be to check out  some Japanese cartoons called "Manga". These kinds of Japanese  cartoons are made for kids but also adults too. You'll see businessmen  read their favorite manga on their way to work. You might see some  businessman get their copy of their favorite Manga on the subway and  read them on the way to work. Manga could make your casual Japanese  better and it is full of casual Japanese and slang that you probably  won’t find in many textbooks.
The second thing to try  and do is to visit restaurants that serve Japanese food. This  will let you practice your communicating and reading skills when you go  to a Japanese restaurant. The menu might be written in Japanese and you  can test yourself if you are able to read the words in Japanese. Impress  your waiter by ordering in Japanese. If you can't order in Japanese,  you can practice simple words like "Thank-You" (arigatou).
Third,  read some local Japanese newspapers. In many large cities  around the world where there is a Japanese community, you will find free  Japanese newspapers or magazines. They are directed to the local  Japanese community. Even if you only know a few characters in hiragana,  katakana, or kanji you might be able to understand some advertisements  and articles. If you can understand a few words and symbols to see them  used in real situations, it will feel great!
The fourth  activity is to learn Japanese with a computer program. Having a  computer is great because it could help you learn the language and  pronunciation. You can find games or other methods to help you learn or  you can buy Japanese language software. Programs on the iPod or iPhone  are also popular for understanding and learning Japanese.
Lastly,  an effective way to experience Japanese language and culture firsthand  is to go to Japan. You will be astonished at how quickly you  can master the language once you are in the actual country. One of the  great way to meet people and push yourself to speak Japanese is in a  homestay program.
You'll be able to learn Japanese with these  five unorthodox tips. I think you can find ways to continue learning  Japanese in a fun way.
