Keep in mind that it was Americans doing the English localisation, not a Japanese team. "A great way for kids in other countries to learn about Japanese culture" isn't their job, or anywhere on their list of concerns. A translator's goal is more like "make something people in my country will enjoy so as many people as possible will buy it and I keep getting my paycheck", and part of that is usually making it more familiar to the target audience, suited for their tastes.