I agree, after much research, the way to go is a US Turbografx-16 AND PC Engine Duo R combo. This will allow you to play US HuCards on the US system and Japanese HuCards / CDs and US CDs on the Duo R.
As for imports, if its not an RPG or they are not text heavy, almost all Japanese versions of games are cheaper then the US versions. I highly recommend
Akumajo Dracula X Chi no Rondo. This is NOT the same as the SNES Dracula X, it is much better.