The problem with Japenese VS English consoles is not the language. The language charecter set is a minor issue compared to DVD Encoding and Output. All overseas (Europe, Asia, Orient) DVDs and Games are designed around the PAL output format. At 576 lines at 25 frames per second interlaced versus NTSC's 484 lines at 29.97 frames per second. That and the method of actually transmitting the chroma (color) information is completely different also. - This may result in you not being able to use your Japanese PS2 at all, unless your TV supports PAL.