If you're trying to think your way into learning Japanese, you're doing it wrong.
Learn Japanese like you did English: by hearing a huge amount of it. (With at least a vague idea of what it means!)
Thousands of Japanese Phrases, along with the English translations, presented directly to your brain: from practical to philosophical to flirting.
Just phrases, no filler!
Go way beyond the Japanese language basics to not just communicate, but actually become an interesting person in Japanese.
As an audio-only tool to learn Japanese, it's a perfect companion for driving, walking, or house...