I've been using a combination of Rosetta Stone, Kanji dictionaries (2), Japanese/English dictionaries (2) and grammars (2). Also, just for kicks, I have Rocket Japanese in the car when I drive anywhere. I just try to think in Japanese all the time. It's probably a little over the top but when I decided (two years ago) to go to Japan this June, I knew I wanted to do it on their terms, not mine.

Rosetta Stone is expensive but it has been the core of my learning experience. I really recommend it, though through people I know from Japan I've learned that all these books and CDs use pronouns WAY too much, especially watashi (I/me) and anata (you). Most of the time, I understand, Japanese people especially in conversation just leave those words out unless the context makes it unclear.

The one strong recommendation I have is lean toward Kanji as early as possible. It seems like a daunting prospect but it will pay off in the long run. And STAY AWAY FROM ROMAJI!!!!. It will suck your brain out through your nose. Don't want that.

T