>>4355647Yeah, I think Genki is a completely fine way to start.
IIRC there's basically two textbook options for beginners to start with, and one of them is Genki.
I think more important than choosing which textbook to use, it's better to just grab one and start with it. If you find something lacking or don't like it, try the other. I may be somewhat projecting, but I feel like waffling between two textbooks is actually just procrastinating starting in general.
I didn't have any background in characters or grammar, but more-or-less knew all the basic-level vocab from 10 years/1,000 anime watched, and I felt that Genki was really good, no regrets on my part.
Starting with hiragana is definitely the right choice, I think. Learn hiragana, then do katakana, and then once you got them, you're good, and working through textbooks/reading practice will cement them.
Also, worth keeping in mind what your goals are. My goals are mostly for reading and listening ability, not so much speaking and writing, so I'm coming from that angle.
