In the late-80s/early-90s my supply of animu was supplied by a HS friend from Singapore who still had friends and family there who would tape things off TV for him that would get to me 2nd or 3rd generation. I also generally got what I got.

I'd be so happy when I got my hands on something that VIZ reprinted, like Baoh, Grey, or Outlanders. Then, I'd know what was going on.

If you know a bunch of people who do not understand Japanese you could still do that. Could be fun, I'd try it once at least.