hmm..i was wondering..based on lesson 2 from the 1st page..we learn how to pronounce syllables..are they like pinyin in mandarin?

if so..is it possible to learn japanese(not romanji) like we learn mandarin?
something like, we start off with a mandarin sentence, look up on every word with a dictionary to find its pronunciation(pinyin), then its meaning. that of course, we must know some basics beforehand.(in this case, for japanese)

do japanese dictionary like that exist?ive yet to see one so far. a dictionary that you can use its stroke or pinyin to find its word..exactly like a mandarin one, but for japanese..

will it be more effective this way?since as a chinese, i learn how to read mandarin like that in school