Even when you're confident with memory techniques, and even applying them to learning a new language, starting to learn a language as different as Japanese can seem intimidating.

When going from English to Spanish, for example, you might have to learn that the letter j is pronounced like an h is in English, but at least you're working with the same basic alphabet. One look at the Japanese language, and it can seem like too much to tackle.

Starting slow is some good advice. As a matter of fact, starting by learning something about Japanese culture will help learning the language later on, as you'll understand the perspective that goes along with it.

Regular readers know I like to mix learning and fun, because the combination of the two makes each one so much more effective. This works just as well in this case. In just a few silly minutes, you can be counting to 10 in Japanese by this seeing, speaking, and doing approach.

That covers speaking the numbers, but what about writing them? My favorite suggestion here is to learn how to do Kanji Sudoku puzzles! At that site, you not only have access to numerous Japanese language Sudoku puzzles, but memory-match and crossword puzzles, too. They're all intentionally designed to be used off-line, so that the focus is on your writing practice.

One of the biggest and best aids for English speakers who want to learn Japanese has recently been made available online for free! The Japan Foundation's 26-part documentary series, Let's Learn Japanese, has been a great aid to many for over 20 years. The language is taught through skits about a man named Yan, an architect who is moving to Japan. At first, the lessons seem difficult, because it's spoken at everyday speeds, but with repetition you begin to pick up the ideas and the language. This was intended as a television show that taught at the rate of one episode per day, and it seems to be effective watching it at that rate on video, as well.

To wrap this up, I'd also like to leave you with two more handy online tools for learning Japanese. The first is a Flash-based Hiranga quiz. The other is a full set of Japanese pronunciation lessons, divided up by subject, such as greetings, months, and so on.

Take on a challenge you never thought you'd consider, and learn Japanese. I'm willing to be that you'll at least be able to count in Japanese by the end of this week.