> I  have been told  you can load the English version on the Japanese 
> machine its just the dos
>>
> The XP Pro is $150.00U.S.


Yes, I know and have done that a couple of times, but your price is the one 
valid for the US.

However, I have already found something at User's Side in Akihabara. It's a 
shrink-wrapped version, and I even get a FDD! :-)
It might not include SP2, but what the heck, it can be downloaded anyway.
So, this info might also come in handy fo a couple of people...



http://www.users-side.co.jp/2/shopping/list_nfrm_soft_os.php



      WINXPHOMEOEM
     Microsoft
     Windows XP Home OEM English w/FDD

      Warranty
     -
     Delivery Date
     In Stock
     Price
      (Yen)
     16,254
      (NoTax:15,480)
     Qty.









Yea, here it is!!!
And I still get a FFD. exciting! J