Learning from scratch, question about JapanesePod101
i'm interested in learning Japanese, i'm an absolute beginner.
why i want to learn? why now?
i've always had an internest in the Japanese culture, i've watched animes even when there were no subtitles (back in the 90s), never picked up the language and i was just mainly trying to make out what the scene is about, still that didn't put me off because i was interested more in the anime than anything else. same goes for TV shows and movies.
i have some favorite streamers (gaming related) that i've been following for quite a while now, but never understood what they were saying. i'm positive they share some valuable information, and if i knew what they were saying or how to ask questions, i will greatly benefit from this information.
also, i've always had in mind the trip to Japan (when all the universes align), so knowing how to hold a conversation would be a great help.
so, i downloaded couple of apps on my phone, watched couple of vids on youtube, joined Pimsluer and Japanesepod101 to try them out. i prefer audio learning as i commute to work (15-20mins each way), but don't mind videos as well. Both apps/sources are nice, but found JapanesePod cluttered and a bit overwhelming with info, but don't mind trying to figure it out.
i started learning hiragana from here and there as well (not a specific source), trying to write them as i learn them (i'm not in a hurry).
now my trial period has expired with JapanesePod101, and they've been sending me emails with 40% discount, if i get the 2yrs sub it's going to be $6 a month.
from experience of studying different subjects, there is never 1 source that's "complete", it always needs some other source that complements it.
from what i've gathered searching for reviews on JapanesePod, it's "ok", and is considered only "good enough" for absolute beginners, beginners and early intermediate level. anything past that doesn't add much (as i've gathered from the reviews).
also, i liked Pimsluer over JapanesePod, but can't justify the price no matter what.
now, since i'm an absolute beginner, i got 30-40mins commute (every day) where i can listen to audio, maybe another 20-30mins at home when i'm free, would i be able to cover what everyone suggests "upto intermediate level" within less time than 2years subscription?
my main priority is to understand the spoken language, then to read/write/speak. would the intermediate level be that stage? maybe someone who used JapanesePod can share their experience?
the offer i have in hand is, 2yrs for $144, 1yr for $108, 6 months for $72.
i don't think anything below 6 months is reasonable (not for me at least). i'm also open for suggestions if ppl recommend to use different sources to achieve my goal.
thanks