Well, my experiment was to see how much Japanese I could learn in a year. I have been in school for 12 months at ARC Academy, a private language school. Ironically, today is the first day that I missed, because my throat is raw with a cold or strep or something. I am looking back to see what worked and what didn't, and what I can do better in the future. I am here for six more months.
I had hoped I would be further along, but I knew having unrealistically high expectations was pointless. Within the past 2 months, my ability has improved dramatically. As I am more confidant about simple conversations, I am able to try new, more complex grammar.
Bear in mind, I am not disappointed at all. As I am able to do the simplest thing; ask if a bookstore offers gift wrapping, for example, I leave the store like I just won the lottery.
When people ask, what's the best method, ultimately "learn it all" is my answer. (People never ask, by the way). At this point, I know about 800 kanji, which seems to be on the low side compared to the folks on bulletin boards who learn 2000 in 2 months. I wonder how much vocabulary they have learned? Anyway, I won't criticize anyone else's method. I am not fantastic at reading, listening, or speaking; but having an average ability in all these aspects gets you further than I would have thought.
When I am around other foreigners, especially Americans (boy do we stick out here, and I'm not really sure why), if it's convenient, I try to hear if they are speaking Japanese. I'd say about 10% are, in my experience. Is that high or low? If they are speaking really good Japanese, I am envious, and it inspires me to study more.
Anyway. In spite my cold, I am going to study. I think in about 5 minutes I will be napping, but when I wake up 30 minutes later, I will continue.