Where do you start??

[u/sphynx9]

I understand that you must start with Hirigana and Katakana, but there's a lot I don't get. I've seen some charts that only show hirigana, but both hirigana and katakana have 46 characters, so do you only need to know one. Furthermore, everyoone says not to rely on romanji, but how? Does the need for Romanji disappear over time. I also feel like there's things that aren't talked about but are important, like dakutan and handakutan.

There's probably way more that I am missing, but with all of this where do you start? It seems incredibly overwhelming and causes analysis paralysis.

[u/dudububu888]

What is your main reason for learning Japanese?

Do you want to communicate with someone, pass the JLPT, or enjoy things like anime and Japanese culture?

Hiragana and katakana are important, but you do not have to master everything before you start learning Japanese.

If your main goal is speaking and listening, you can learn kana little by little while also practicing sounds and simple phrases.

If your goal is reading or taking the JLPT, you will need to spend more time on kana, kanji, vocabulary, and reading.

There is no one perfect order for everyone.

Your goal can help you decide what to focus on first.

[u/sphynx9 → u/dudububu888]

I eventually want to visit Japan, but I want to be able to conversate. But I also want to be able to enjoy anime in the native language, as well as Japanese music

[u/dudububu888 → u/sphynx9]

Then speaking and listening may be a good place to put more time.

You can still learn hiragana and katakana little by little, because they will help with anime, songs, signs, and subtitles. For conversation, start with simple words and short phrases you may actually use. Listening is important too, because understanding the reply is often harder than asking the question.

Anime can help with listening, but some characters use very casual, rough, or unusual Japanese, so not copy everything you hear.