Those of you who were watching that particular episode of Lupin III might not have understood how Lupin’s showing of feet is related to him not being a ghost. The answer is that Japanese believe ghosts have no feet. Instead, they have a ghost tail which they float around with. This is just an example of the cultural barrier present in Anime and Manga.
    Japan, like all other countries, has its own culture and beliefs. They have their own customs and traditions, unique to their land. Since Anime was meant for a Japanese audience, it would only be natural that the scriptwriters and directors would take into account these practices when doing a scene. This is mostly present in shows that are set in contemporary Japan such as comedies like Maison Ikkoku and Ranma ½. Other shows that are set in another world or universe like El-hazard and Record of the Lodoss War can ignore these details but it is usually present in other genres in one way or another.
    Persons such as us, people who live outside of Japan and are ignorant of their many customs, may not fully understand a particular episode which features these customs. An example of this is the fact that the Japanese try to avoid preparing food with a quantity of  four, especially when eating. This is similar to the western idea that thirteen is an unlucky number (thus some constructed buildings not having a thirteenth floor). The Japanese word for four, shi, is pronounced similarly to the Japanese word for death. For propriety’s sake and to avoid it from happening, Japanese plainly avoid the number four. Lack of understanding leads to lack of appreciation. This is one of the obstacles Anime has to face in gaining worldwide popularity. This is one of the biggest problems translators have to face.
    In doing a dub, this might easily be solved by changing the joke or situation into another comprehensible incident. However, doing so comes at the expense of translation accuracy which is one of the biggest qualms of fans against dubs. A subtitled version will have more trouble. More words are dedicated to explaining the event so you might miss it if you can’t read fast enough. Also, if it is a joke, it won’t be a natural laugh if the joke needs some explaining. Either way, there is a bit of dissastisfaction in a need to explain or change the subject matter unless the person watching is familiar with it.
    However, living in Asia has its advantages too. Since we live near Japan (and were once invaded by them too), their culture has an influence on ours too. In a way, we have a closer relationship and understanding with them than Westerners. Most of us bow or nod to our teachers when in school. The Japanese take this to a higher level by bowing not only to their teachers but also to their elders and their sempai as well. The Chinese, too, share a trait with the Japanese in their belief that shooting stars are omens of bad luck. They also use the same instrument for eating, chopsticks.
    That is not to say that others have not influenced Japan as well. Western culture has influenced Japan as well. Christianity is present in Japan (although bleak) as  can be seen in its influences on some shows (Evangelion, Haunted Junction). Moreover, festivals and events such as Halloween and Christmas, which are Western in origin and not originally part of Japan’s heritage, are celebrated.
    Whatever the case may be, there will always be a barricade between us and the shows we love. Some shows were meant for a Japanese audience and no amount of translation or subtitles will do us good unless we understand the culture. In a way, learning to accept and appreciate Anime is the same as accepting and appreciating Japanese culture. There will be hindrances but in the end, it will be conquered.