Learning Japanese

[nala_r]

I've seen some contradictory information-some say Japanese is relatively easy to learn, some say it's a nightmare-so I was wondering if I could get some opinions. (All are welcome, but I'm specifically looking for native English-speakers who've learned Japanese to a degree of fluency.) What was hard about it? What was easier than you'd expected? Any tips, or suggestions of things to avoid?

I intend to do my best to learn it, regardless, but I'd like to know what I'm getting into. ;)

Thanks!