[baronchar]

Sure, I definitely agree that there are many tools to use when studying Japanese, and that even other popular media may be better than anime for that purpose. And nothing is a substitute for going to Japan and immersing yourself in the language and culture.

I just wanted to provide a different opinion and suggest to thread-browsers that anime and otaku culture don't need to be avoided, and can, in fact, be fun and helpful additions to your study. In my experience at least, anime (and manga) are more readily available to foreigners than other Japanese media, and since they are geared a little more towards children or young adults they may use simpler vocabulry and grammatical patterns that will be easier to understand and build upon. (though, as a non-minor myself, I will be happy to point out that anime and manga can be enjoyed by all ages!)