I have never met Namiko Abe, but I do believe  she is “Language Peson” and is doing an excellent job at developing this site for about.com.  There are many sites out there that claim to teach you Japanese,  some offering “Free Japanese Lessons”  and some at a cost.    When you begin going through these sites, you will come across many that are commercialized.  If you are sincerely interested in learning Japanese then this is one of the best sites to bookmark.   This site includes Lessons on the language and culture, a forum and a great newsletter.   Although I am fluent in Japanese, I believe the journey is ongoing.   I hope to meet Namiko Abe one day to thank her for putting up a great site and to gain further insight on teaching and learning Japanese.