Japanese airline gets flak for "racial stereotyping" in ad

Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) has been fending off criticism for its newest TV spot, which has been accused of racial stereotyping.(Read also: LOOK Yet another stereotypical ad )The ad showed two Japanese men in ANA uniforms discussing how they can change the image of the airline and promote it as an international carrier. When one of the men goes in for a hug, the other man takes a step back which prompts the hugger to say: “Such a Japanese reaction.”This is followed by him saying: "Let's change the image of Japanese people.""Sure," replies the second, who is now seen wearing a blonde wig and a long rubber nose (attributes associated with Westerners in Japan).Watch the ad here:http://youtu.be/2jgzAOCmWA0Following the airing of the ad, one Facebook commentator has said:“[…] It's impressive that in the year 2014 you think it is appropriate to make fun of the physical characteristics of the exact people that you are trying to market your services to.”Another comment added: “Just saw the new Haneda ad. 7 year olds signing off on your advertising ideas again?”An ANA spokesperson said the ad has since been pulled, and has apologised for offending the public.“The commercial was intended to be a humorous way of highlighting the increased number of international services ANA is operating from Haneda Airport. It was not our intention to cause offence and we apologize to anyone who was upset by the advertisement. ANA has now decided to withdraw this commercial,” she told Marketing.“This is a Japanese brand with seemingly Japanese talents. I suppose the hubbub is that one of the characters dons a fancy dress equivalent of  ‘whiteface’  to show that he will now behave less Japanese and more spontaneously. I’m reluctant to say this spot is racist, but it does portray a racial stereotype.  Which is why some folks might be offended,” said Robert Gaxiola, creative partner at ManghamGaxiola.He added that the point probably was that ANA was striving to be different.Was this ad racist, or plain bizarre? You decide.