This year it's been about 6 years I've been back and forth with my struggle to learn this fun, tricky, extenuating language... Japanese!
It started in 2020 (or before?) because? I can't remember! But some of it had to do with interest to maybe take one of the MEXT exams for a scholarship in Japan, which I never did, but was a great incentive to start.
Time passed but not the interest, however method and consistency have always been complicated balance to achieve. However, over time I believe to have stacked a few interesting resources and since 2025/jan my learning journey has been more stable, even tho not smooth xD
The best guide for complete beginners is (this is a blog, so...my opinion) Tofugu's guide. Besides, the comprehensive guide by SuikaCider on Reddit is more than worth the read before and while getting started with Japanese.
With those two you should have more than enough to be good to go!