I figured for my next study tool review, I'd do a positively free one, Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese . This is an amazing website, and it's as close as you'll get to a free online book. It has its flaws, but it is one of the best tools to help you learn. First of all, it has lessons and even practice exercises in the kana. Although Power Japanese worked best for me in this regard, Tae Kim does a great job of reinforcing your knowledge as well. It also has basic grammar, which you will need to know soon, and advanced topics, although it doesn't flow quite as well as a textbook. He also has a forum, a wiki, and a blog, all of which will help you as you go along. I should also mention that it's been translated into 9 or 10 languages, so your non-English friends can also check it out. Now, I wouldn't recommend using this website as your sole source for studying. It's great for reinforcing knowledge, and you might learn a thing or two here and there, but ...
The Genki Japan blog is a blog solely about Japan and all the things that make it great, or not so great. I strive to bring a variety of topics to the table and try not to focus too much on a single issue. I hope you'll find it fun and informative. BLOG HAS MOVED! Tanoshinihongo.com is the new web address. I will continue to simultaneously update both Genki and the new blog, Tanoshinihongo.com for the time being.