that's not always true
 

there are some black people in anime, but you don't always see them. if anyone's ever seen blood plus, there's 2 (count 'em, 2!) black guys in the show. both play somewhat of a big role in the show, too! >_<

You do see black characters...but funny, they never have Japanese names. Which tells me that the "caucasian" depicted in the OP's question aren't really caucasian.

I've heard Japanese people want "Western eyes" now... like they're getting surgeries to change their eyeshape. I think manga has heavily influence on this, since the eyes tend to be glittery and oversized - especially in shojo.

And we all know that real human beings, including Westerners, do not have those enormous eyes. -__-

Yeah, I heard about the sugery thing also (weird)

I heard that Anime characters are drawn with big eyes because it's easier to show emotion in big eyes. You'll notice that in much anime, the noses and mouths are still still very Asian looking. In Disney cartoons you'll notice that the eyes are exaggerated for the exact same reason however because Asians have smaller eyes a lot of people make the mistake that they are trying to draw them white.

I'd be careful when jumping to that conclusion. I don't think it's about being less Asian looking. Rather they just want bigger eyes. I mean you wouldn't say that a white woman getting a tan was doing so because she was trying to be black or latino, she probably just likes the look of the complexion.

I have to agree with this, too. There isn't an Asian I know that wishes they weren't Asian. However, in some circles, narrow eyes are considered unattractive, while larger, eyes are considered cute. I have also seen black color contacts that are supposed to make your pupils look huge, giving an "anime" look. That, too, has nothing to do with looking like caucasians.

I think their eyes look a bit Asian sometimes.
I also read this Tezuka manga and it looked VERY Mickey-Mouse, so the way manga is drawn and anime is made today has morphed from one popular style to another. Things evolve. :)

Ouch! That hurt! You might want to watch what you say though. I could care less because I know that America rocks but I do know there is a substantial amount of Americans on this site that might not like the comment you stated above.

Anywho! I just want to say that Anime Kitty and MMM's arguments are very funny and informing. (just thought I'd put that out there)

In answer to the question, I believe that the reason why the skin color of anime/manga characters is "white" is because of the "geisha mind factor." (that is totally made up since I seem to be lacking in words today) When you think about it, traditional Japanese culture encouraged the powdering of one self (same as Europeans and Americans). Why this is, I know not. I just know that many women had the white powder and all the other makeup and in the end they came out looking white. So maybe that's where it comes from. I don't know, it's just one of my crazy theories. I really have no idea. -.-'