Swami

@dj_convoy: Yes, and I think that those mods can make it suck for playing PS1 games one the PS2

I have a ton of Japanese PS2 and PS1 games and know only a smattering of Japanese (and can barely read a word of it). You have to pick your spots; don't buy text heavy RPGs or simulations. Buy arcade compilations, SHMUPS, platformers and the like. Poke around on Google for import friendly titles; you'd be surprised how many there are.

And if you do want certain text heavy games, find ones that have a big enough following here to have play through guides and translations like maybe Super Robot Wars of other franchises like that that have a cult following in the West.