Can you play japanese games on a u.s. PS2 without a mod chip?

Can you play japanese games on a u.s. PS2 without a mod chip? Also what is a good web site that sell PS2s with quality mod jobs? I know this is not a neo geo topic but as this is the only arcade related forum I'm a part of I thought I'd ask. Thanks for any help. <img src="graemlins/help.gif" border="0" alt="[Help]" />

The ps2 cannot play imports. Sony is also doing everything it can to prevent pirating and importing on there system. Last I heard they were on there 5th generation of encryption. The last mod chip that actually worked was the Messiah chip, but sony shut them down <img src="graemlins/mad2.gif" border="0" alt="[Mad 2]" />

I dont think they have been shut down yet. Check this site out:

<a href="http://www.lik-sang.com/catalog/product_info.php?category=3&products_id=1867&" target="_blank">http://www.lik-sang.com/catalog/product_info.php?category=3&products_id=1867&</a>

They have chips for up to V6.

So no one makes software for playing imports on PS2? Is there a disk swap method maybe?

An XBOX looks like a better choice to me!

well, since no one answered your question here ya go ---------->

lik-sang.com
hackershardware.com
playthegames.com

i have heard that you can play import ps2 games witout a mod chip with unreal tournament you have to manualy take out the game while its spinning and put in what ever import you want but i would not suggest this as it sounds risky to damage your ps2.