I agree, this way you could show more countries that did not make the list.

On the other hand, it's done for the Olympics in JAPAN so the concept is mixing japanese traditional clothing with details inspired by each country's identity, so... yeah.

NO the Dutch version is highly dissatisfying :-(

I was scrolling down to the Netherlands hoping for some wooden shoes, hahaha. I agree with you, now it's just the colors of their flags, I was also expecting something inspired on traditional clothes.

yes, it was the perfect opportunity to research both national attire and physical distinctions between all these countries

I agree. The first few designs were so creative with the colors and props but still stayed true to the flag. Afterward, the designs just became robes/armor with the flag stamped on them, along with a pretty plain weapon. I just think that the designs themselves had so much more potential (e.g. turning India's wheel into a shield, giving Singapore a weapon based off the moon on his flag, etc).

Maybe. But almost EVERY country that hosts the Olympics seems to do some take on the attending countries' traditional outfits. I like that Japan went for something different and decided to do styles based on Japanese traditional clothing. Now, that does make it a little harder to be entirely original for each one, and you do get some monotony, but at least they're attempting to NOT be like every other country who hosts the Olympics. EDITED: I just realized these are not official illustrations, just a group of artists' work. I'm really disappointed. They're so cool they totally should be official.

I partially agree. I think the basic style of the clothing should say something about the country. Traditional can be a good way of doing that sometimes, and in particular I think America and Brazil as cowboys would have been better, but for instance I actually thought Canada's worked perfectly and so did Germany's even though both were in more of a Japanese anime style, and although Argentina has never had knights, I think the Argentinian one as a knight would have reflected something beautiful about Argentina's culture. It's worth noting too that not all countries really HAVE a traditional dress - South Africa is in such severe flux right now that you can't really describe ANYTHING as a South African tradition, and Indonesia is a patch work of different ethnic groups and cultures with basically nothing in common that were hastily stitched together to hunt pirates. Overall, I think these were a little too formulaic and could have done with some bolder and more expressive choices.

Truuuue, that would be even more awesome!!

But the point the artist was trying to make was it is in Japan these are Japanese illustrations based on the flags. Not the cultures

I don't care what YOU would prefer... that's autors thing to decide and I'm glad he chose this style as its his... take it or leave it.. sorry for bursting out but these things really piss me off like..wtf don't tell autor what he should do with his art its his

Ummmm - pay attention, please. The Olympics are in Japan. That is what makes these depictions so brilliant. Also, I do not think they are political; The characteristics are recognizable to everyone around the World.

nobody keeps you from makeing some yourself

that´d have been a better idea, but idk, is just the artist way of seeing all other countries, but in Japan shoes, i liked my own country one, specially for 1 detail i saw (i loved everything though)

They infused the hanbok in the korean one but ok

But, then it really wouldn't be anime, would it? I like the Eastern style given to all the costumes.

They said they haven't done every participating country yet and will continue their work until Tokyo Olympic 2020. It's on the paragraph under the 1st picture (currently SA) :)

Don't worry Ireland, we will also get our avatars - said Poland.

There is an Irish one. The author has just decided himself which ones are the best, even those the Spanish hate theirs. The Irish one is one if the best.

They definitely did Ireland. I saw it in another article. Google it. The one i saw didn't have U.S. so I looked for another article. They want to do one for all 200 participating countries.

"World Flags" https://world-flags.org/europeanunion/ireland.html

Many countries missing at this point. And many ethnicities.

Give them time, they have another year to finish!

Maria Tsevdos love

It's not appropriation, it's PRACTICAL USE. How else they are supposed to herd cattle?! Also, it's originated on the Iberian Peninsula, not Mexico. Spanish equestrian tradition can be traced back to Arabic rule in Spain, horse riding equipment are ultimately Eurasian. And don't get me started on the cattle herding.