Reason #1
Spoken by over 130 million people, Japanese is the among the top 10 languages on Earth.

Reason #2
In the world of console video games/Anime, it rises to 1st place!

Reason #3
Japanese is the language used by all those wonderful import games you wish you could buy (but don't buy because you don't understand the language)

Reason #4
Even today, Japanese voice actors tend to put more soul and realism into their Anime roles than their American counterparts (not to anger any dub fans out there). Wouldn't it be nice to have the best of both worlds? Good (Japanese) voice acting without having to read your Anime!

Reason #5
There are a LOT of Anime series (and video games) out there in Japanese only. Some good titles too! It would be nice to be able to understand them.

Reason #6
Many of your family, friends, and co-workers believe Japanese is hard. Show them what you can do! ^_^ They'll think you have special talent or something. Actually, anyone can learn it if they want to.

Reason #7
"Speaks Japanese" looks great on a resume, whatever your line of work. Knowing any second language helps, but Japanese will have a greater effect on an employer, since not many Americans know Japanese! (which can't be said for Spanish, for example)

Reason #8
Japanese has the reputation for being hard, but is actually just "different".

Reason #9
Japan has the second largest economy in the world, so their language is very relevant.

Reason #10
Japan has an interesting culture, much of which is reflected in the language.

Reason #11
Japan controls both the video game and Anime industries.
This allows you to learn a language while enjoying an Anime or playing a video game! What other language gives you such opportunities?