> Hi Brian-- We are going to Japan soon-- what would be the best Pokemon
> cards to bring back? What is the most valuable "bang for the buck"
> available there? We are rookies and would really appreciate your help--

Promo cards!
These come in lots of different merchandise, and most of it is out of print/
not available through normal retail...  But collectors here gobble up promo
cards.  Some currently available promo merchandise you might find:

"Pokemon Best Collection CD"
"2 player (felt) Pocket Monster Card Game playmat"
Pokemon Card GB (Game Boy game)
Pokemon Snap Strategy Guide

Also, the "Vending machine sheets" are extremely hard to find in the U.S.
I've heard this is because they normally ship them only to companies that
insert them into vending machines, so bookstores and things don't get them.
Anyway, the Vending machine sheets are VERY hot. (3 random cards 
per sheet.  3 different sets of 36 cards each, plus there are about 5 "rare"
cards that may be among all 3 sets... don't know that much here.)

Most boosters and theme decks can be found in the states for  normal
mark-up, but the stuff I mentioned will give you the most bang for your buck.

Brian Brokaw