The Japanese were undoubtedly the best artists

Up until the mid-1800s, European art was focused more on creating the illusion of a 3D space on a 2D plane; since most American artists came from Europe, they took that art "trend" with them. Eastern art such as Indian and Asian art was not so interested in this, which explains why these works look more flat.

It took them 2 bombs until they got it right.

Looks like Japan had a head start on memes!