Japan’s Version of Being International

I was looking through ad news at work and discovered that ANA airlines got in big trouble about the following ad, and immediately pulled it from the air with an issued apology:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCjxzpSrFP4]

For someone that has lived in Japan for a long amount of time, I’m not surprised at this advertisement in the slightest.  In fact, when I showed it to my boss she said: “Really now, it’s not that bad is it?  It’s controversial enough to take off the air?”

To me, this ad signifies the hurdles and hardships I went through to live, adapt and assimilate in Japan.  It’s what’s wrong with Japan’s view of the world.  This ad is supposed to signify internationalization and the bridging of gaps between the world and Japan, but it seems like Japan is still stuck with their 1950’s version of the white man.  Blonde and with a big nose.