Japan has a much more male-oriented society than the US and Canada, where companies will forego hiring someone more qualified (within reason) who is white male if a “minority” applies. That would not fly there. There are signs of change there but it is happening ever so slowly. Remember that Japan has one of the most ethnically homogenous populations in the world, so it is quite a shock when a non-Japanese male is appointed to a high position.

Whether that sexism translates to manga and anime, I’d say not quite as badly but to an extent yes. Not because it’s inherently sexist (or racist, as I’ve noted on a few occassions) but because it’s a byproduct of the society the creators grew up in. Their saving grace is that they typically don’t think the same as everyone.

Crazy manga writers.