Quote Originally Posted by Mizuchi
For example, like in the first 2 days we were learning japanese we got to like page 45 in the Japanese for dummies book, and I am pretty much still on that page after a month, maybe a little ahead, because its so hard to memorize everything that I've learned because I don't practice it.
Well, that's the main problem right there, lol. The key to ANY language is to practice, practice, and more practice. Just following along the book isn't enough, you should be speaking what you learn from the book with your friend (which is really good that you were able to find someone since you can both converse with each other). This brings back the point that Ryullharu said, immersion. If you're in an environment where nothing but that language is the only spoken dialect, you will catch on to it MUCH faster. This will be great for Masa since he's going to be going to Japan.

In high school, I took French (went up to French III) and during the time, it was not my best class. I'll admit I slacked most of the time during lecture and only tried hard just to pass the exams and any reports (mostly journal entries). Granted had I put in the time and effort and really studied and put what I learned to use, I would have understood and could speak it to this day.

I can tell that you really want to learn though and I think its great that you are getting a head start on it. Even if you don't get it now, don't fret. When you take it in college, you will already have some grip on it (your Japanese for Dummies book, Rosetta Stone, and through anime) and you will have an instructor to tell you how to prepare. Just don't be like me and only study to pass.