It helps if you're learning Japanese. Not so much if you don't know any Japanese then you learn a couple words and phrases but you learn absolutely nothing about grammar and particle usage if you're just watching.
There's only 2 races: White and 'Political Agenda'
2 Genders: Male and 'Political Agenda'
2 Hairstyles for female characters: Long and 'Political Agenda'
2 Sexualities: Straight and 'Political Agenda'