Japan has fallen (again).
How is Sakura a female Ryu, Sakura is socially well-adjusted and capable, she has one friendly rivalry with Karin, and many many friends including Dan, Blanka, Ibuki, Elena, and the Rival Schools trio (Hinata, Batsu, Shoma). Sakura also has a normie non-fighter bestie (Kei). Sakura is a productive member of society, she has a day job working in video game arcade. The writers have implied that one day she will work as PE teacher. She is also good with kids.
Meanwhile, Ryu is unhoused and jobless (by choice). He has no friend outside fighting and even among his fighting friends (Ken, Chun) he has no social skills.
Meanwhile, Ryu is jobless (by choice).
Based honestly.
It is a privilege because he lives in a country with universal healthcare. Look at the state of Ken in SF6, that's what living in a country without universal healthcare does to a professional fighter
Next thing you know, they’ll tell me Japan went political by not being full of white people!
They should put female Ryu in the new game I think, that would make the gamers mad.
Just tell them she was designed with underage fanservice in mind (e.g. do a tatsumaki) and they'll pivot.