You are mistaken, sir.  That is an ancient Japanese drawing, often cited as the cannon material for all things kappa.  I think it was found on the walls of a cave.

Indie games can do a lot to get new perspectives in games. Papa & Yo caught me be surprise, heart breaking story set in Brazil's favela.
Games from China, Indonesia, India, South America, Iran, South Africa, why not, all sound interesting to me.

How in the Hell would it ever be detrimental. What sort of argument could anyone make for that?

EDIT: Oh, now I read your post again and understand what you ask a little better. Yeah, maybe it could end up being detrimental to the game's sales, but never to the game. It's just the sad world we live in. :(

What I think hurts the industry the most in the end is the endless number of boring-looking, bland games. That's why there's the indie boom.

I don't think your OP is actually saying/asking anything at all.

I'd say it's more asking rather than saying.  I gave some opinions on Zelda, Mario, Pokemon, and Shooters, but they were more open-ended suggestions.  I'm wondering what other games showcase such a heavy influence of specific culture.  And has it helped the industry (yeah, for the most past I define that as sales) or hurt it?

My point is that you are being very vague about everything. Might as well replace "culture" with "politics" or "race". Or anything at all really.