Torii - a traditional Japanese gate, usually found within or near a Shinto shrine. Torii represent passage to areas known to be sacred. An image such as the one above would expectantly cause a Western viewer to think in terms of stereotypic Japan, a melting pot of new age advances and traditional values.
This image represents intentionally connectivity and communication via At&t mobil. In order to entice their Western consumers they have added the exotic artistry of Koi designed onto of clenched fists of two users, being brought together via one of their cellular products. I am lead to believe this ad is intended for Western advances due to the text being written in English. I question whether the body-art within this image would convey two bald eagles if the intended audiences had been switched.
I came upon an ad for AirFrance, a notable European airline provider. The model within this image is quite obviously not of Japanese descent, yet she is dressed in a traditional geisha headdress and robe. The intention of this ad is presumably to entice European travelers to visit the exotic nation of Japan, while still being able to relate to the model as she is most likely a European herself. The clash of interests within this ad is quite disappointing.
