[video_popup width="805" height="454" video_link="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jgzAOCmWA0" video_image_link="https://www.tnooz.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Untitled12-690x300.png"]
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has reacted to accusations of racism on various social media channels and axed a brand new TV advertisement.
The 30-second spot was aimed at promoting the an increase in the airline's international flight schedule from Tokyo's Haneda airport in March.
Two Japanese men feature in the video, with one saying to the other: "Lets change the image of Japanese people." His fellow traveller replies "sure" and dons a blonde wig with a long rubber nose.
Since first airing on TV the ad has caused a storm amongst followers on the carrier's official
Facebook page - for example, one member wrote:
But not everyone has considered the ad to be of a racist nature - in fact, many wrote on Facebook and Twitter that the ad was funny and they didn't take it seriously.
However, the airline now says:
"We have received the opinions different (sic) from the intention of the company and decided to pull it off the air after careful consideration. We take this matter seriously and appreciate your comments."
The ad was indeed taken off the TV schedules, but a video on the airline's official YouTube account is still running and has clocked up more than 475,000 views in four days.
Here is the ad:
NB: ANA has not responded to requests for further comment.