The same word is frequently used for both singular and plural refrences. For example, there can be one senshi, or many senshi. Except for vowels alone, each symbol is a combination of a consonant and a vowel, making one syllable. This is a post from a girl in my email group lucky enough to be able to take Japanese lessons. Most of the upcoming lessons will be email posts from her.
People usually use there last name in Japan, only good friends use their first.
Desu means many things, like I am, You are, this Is, What type. Amerikajin desu ka. Maiku san wa Amerikajin desu. At Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji Japanese writing has 3 different types. The other scouts have Hirigana and Kanji.