The Lessons Not Learned.

[DPZ2]

When non-JP people start referring to others, particularly those they've never met and will never in their lives interact with, with the -san suffix, you know the conversation has run its course.

You are quite correct. The more correct term of reference would be "Natsuko-sama".

Honorifics are not just used when talking with someone. They are also used when talking about someone who may not be present with others. The latter is pretty much required, by the way, unless you are referring to a mutual friend.

"Natsuko-san" is fine as well, but I assume the original writer views Natsuko Ishikawa with some level of esteem.

The only thing they appear to get wrong is that "Natsuko" is, indeed, the family name. The Producer's family name is "Naoki".

To the poster of the quote: The discussion is indeed getting pretty thin when all you can complain about is non-Japanese players referring to Japanese people with Japanese honorifics.