In addition to Japanese language workbooks and textbooks, select several storybooks or novels in Japanese. While you're studying Japanese, try to read things that interest you. Dull reading material will cause you to lose interest and won't benefit your studies. While you read, highlight or underline words, phrases and characters you are unfamiliar with to look up later. If you aren't sure what to start with, consider learning commonly used words from your Japanese-English dictionary.
Listen to music, radio or Japanese podcasts each day. This will improve your listening skills and help you to pick up new vocabulary. Listening to Japanese audio will also help you to identify and pick out words you are already familiar with. Choose music that is interesting to you or choose a CD of simple nursery songs. Write down any words you are unfamiliar with or don't recognize and look them up later.
One of the most important parts of learning any foreign language is to develop the ability to speak clearly and correctly. To perfect your Japanese speech, meet with speaking partners several times each week. Share a short conversation or, if you aren't comfortable creating your own sentences, take turns reading a dialogue from one of your Japanese textbooks. If you don't know anyone who speaks Japanese, consider voice-chatting with a native Japanese speaker online.
For a basic overview of the Japanese language, enroll in a beginning Japanese class. In addition to at-home studying, a Japanese class offers you a set schedule for learning, which may be beneficial if you find it difficult to stay focused while studying on your own. Enrolling in a class also gives you the chance to interact with fellow students on a regular basis who can help you study.