Invest in a computer program, such as Rosetta Stone, that will help you learn Japanese pronunciation, vocabulary and writing. Set aside time each day to do a lesson or two. Review lessons you still feel uncomfortable with. These programs allow you to learn at your own pace, so don't feel rushed and avoid moving forward until you have mastered each lesson.
Purchase a Japanese-English dictionary. This will give you the option of looking up Japanese words and phrases when you need to translate something. This is helpful if you come across words during your lessons that you don't understand, and it assists you in translating any extra reading you attempt to do.
Label items in your house with their Japanese names. Use sticky notes to label the refrigerator, the microwave, the doors, the windows and the rooms. Repeat the name of each room or object to yourself out loud when you see the notes. This will help you memorize vocabulary and practice pronunciation. For other vocabulary, speak the Japanese word aloud when you pass by the object on the street or see it in a store.
Immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Watch television shows or movies in Japanese. Rent Japanese books on tape or listen to Japanese radio. Read Japanese books (keep a dictionary handy) and eavesdrop on native Japanese speakers.
Practice speaking your Japanese with partners if you can, even if you must use a mix of English and Japanese at the beginning. Ask friends who speak Japanese to help you by speaking to you in Japanese, or ask the servers at Japanese restaurants if they speak the language and are willing to help. If no one is available to converse with, speak aloud to yourself in full Japanese sentences, or talk to your dog in Japanese.