/jp/ - Otaku Culture

Hey guys! I'm heavily fascinated in Japanese culture and their traditions since I was young, (I never really liked anime or stuff that one might think of when Japan is mentioned as a point of interest) and I would love for some advice for learning the language. I hear it's one of the hardest languages to learn if you're from a western country. I was hoping you guys could give me advice on where a good starting point might be for someone like me. Thanks!