Learning Japanese

I'm cramming my brain full of Japanese words and phrases in my frantic attempt to learn a new language.  I have been to Japan many times, and I'm going again next week, but this time I am hoping to be able to communicate a little bit better.
I got really frustrated when I was in Korea last month, as I don't speak any Korean, and usually I try to learn at least a few polite phrases before I go to a new country.
Japanese is one of those languages that I said I would love to learn, but never got around to it, so its time to get off my lazy bottom and start making time.
I'm trying to fit in 2-3 hours a night on intensive reading writing and speaking study, and its going OK.  I don't have anybody to communicate with other than my dogs, and they love me no matter what language I speak to them.
One thing that has made it much easier is my new iPhone 4.  I have uploaded lots of Japanese language applications on there, which give me quizzes through the day and help to test me with flash cards and character tracing. 
I'm hoping to spend at least a month in Japan next year doing some research, and I know I will be going there many more times, so its time to take on a new language.
I currently speak English, Chinese and French, so Japanese is different enough that I'm not confusing them all, now I just have to figure out how to get my old brain to retain vocabulary like it did when I was 10 :)

Sayonara