ANA Apologizes and Will Modify "Offensive" Ad

Above, a shot of the offending ANA ad.

All Nippon Airways has apologized for an advertisement that some western viewers found to be racial stereotyping.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported:

Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways says it is modifying a TV commercial after apologising to customers who complained it used racist stereotyping. 

But the airline insists it meant no offence. 

ANA started airing the new 30-second television advertisement on Saturday, aimed at promoting its beefed up schedule of international flights from Tokyo's Haneda airport in March.In the commercial, two Japanese men in ANA uniform discuss in English how they might boost the image of the airline as an international carrier.

One of them says: "Let's change the image of Japanese people."

"Sure," replies the other, who is now wearing a blonde wig and an improbably long rubber nose.

White westerners are often believed in Japan to have big noses, blue eyes and blonde hair, characteristics generally thought desirable among Japanese.

The ad doesn't bother me, but then I don't have blond hair or a "Mr. Mxyzptlk" nose.

Read more and see the ad: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/all-nippon-airways-sorry-after-complaint-advert-is-racist-20140121-315fv.html#ixzz2r3JfFcFe

UPDATE (1/22/14):

From Japan Today:

TOKYO —Japan’s largest carrier All Nippon Airways said on Tuesday it was pulling a TV advertisement featuring a Japanese actor in a large false nose and blonde wig after it was criticised online for having racist overtones.