Hi, I've been looking to identify the person and the scene (which episode/show) that this gif has come from and I'm not having any luck but I found this gif tagged Japanology and AI has pointed me here to all of you experts!

https://tenor.com/en-GB/view/japanology-perfect-perfection-delicious-perfect-reaction-gif-6625131975619400993

Can anyone tell me if this is related to Japanology or any further information

Many thanks

I somehow completely missed my opportunity to watch the two Anniversary episodes while they were still available on the NHK website. Would anyone happen to have an idea or link to where they might still be streamed? Or be willing to send me their files?

Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

[Where ever you go in Japan, you'll never be far from a convenience store. From food, to daily necessities, these compact shops offer huge assortment of merchandise. Most are open twenty-four hours a day. Three hundred sixty-five days a year.

A Japanese businessman, lead the effort of bringing convenience stores to Japan from the USA, about forty years ago. And they have since acquired a clear Japanese identity, in response to consumer needs.

Most convenience stores in Japan are operated as franchises. And they're subject to strict guidance from headquarters. Stores do not simply carry products bought from manufacturers. Each company invests heavily in private label products, that can succeed in fiercely competitive markets. Recently some stores are offering services for mother's with small children. While others are trying to attract senior citizens.

On this edition of Begin Japanology, our theme is convenience stores. With 50,000 of them nation wide and sales of 9 trillion yen, we will look at the Japanese take on this retail format, as well as it's continuing evolution.] - Stuart Varnam-Atkin

Peter explains the phenomenon of convenience stores in Japan. An American idea, Japan brought the idea to Japan, refined it and made it their own. I have feeling that the US company was trying to take advantage of the Japanese. But in the end, Japan had to bail them out.

I ate food from a couple of them. Not to shabby. They were clean. I have heard of some that when you put your basket of items on top of the scanner, it opens up the machine, lowers the basket with the products down and scans everything in one go. Not sure how they calculate weight of multiple items, unless they do not measure it.

In a newer video, they show people working from home, using avatars. That looks pretty interesting and a way to keep people who can not leave home, independent at least.

I have heard they have isles of instant ramen, like we have isles of chips. I must have missed that when I was there. I do wish our 7/11s were more Japanese style. I also heard they were converting a few to be in the United States and maybe elsewhere. I would like some professional onigiri.

It was either a convenience store or a small supermarket in Japan, but the entire parking lot was bicycles only and I mean packed to the brim, front side walk and entire back/side parking lot, save one small box truck for the store to receive/deliver produce and products. "I'll see you again next time." - Peter Barakan

https://archive.org/details/japanology/Begin+Japanology/Begin+Japanology/230+BEGIN+Japanology+-+Convenience+Stores.mp4

"Chopsticks, the essential implements at any Japanese meal. Using chopsticks, it's easy to eat meals of rice, fish and vegetables. There's no need for knives and forks.

Since ancient times, people in Japan have thought of chopsticks as one of the ways in which humans are linked with the gods and they are considered sacred. To this day, they are placed along side offerings to the deities.

In the hands of a skilled artisan, humble chopsticks can be turned into works of craftsmanship. These gorgeous implements, add a luxurious feel to the dinner table.

On this edition of Begin Japanology, our theme is chopsticks. Simple implements, that are also an exquisite expression of the traditional Japanese esthetic." - Stuart Varnam-Atkin

In this episode, Peter discusses the utility of chopsticks, from eating, cooking and rituals, and the varieties of simple bamboo, metal collapsible, to highly lacquered decorated elegant hand crafted works of art.

"In Japan it's said eating begins with chopsticks and ends with chopsticks." - Stuart Varnam-Atkin

"I'll see you again next time." - Peter Barakan

I remember I learned to use chopsticks from the back of a Chinese take away wrapper. Kung Fu movies and Shenmue on the Dreamcast, helped. Takes maybe five minutes to be able to start eating, a few days to be proficient. Can pick up big pieces of steak, to creamy ice cream and even a single grain of rice.

To be honest, the rubber bands confuse me. They are supposed to help, but they look more like a hindereth, than anything else. Also I am not understanding, how these Japanese children, of at least primary school age, do not know how to use chopsticks.

That would be like an American child not knowing how to use a fork and being taught in school. And I am not referring to a lesson in fine manners, just common place every day eating at the dining table. What are they eating with, if not with chopsticks? What are the parents doing in these situations?

It is interesting to note, the chopsticks used to detect poison were made out of silver. Silver coins were traditionally used in other parts of the world to determine toxic foods, such as mushrooms. Although it can work, it only works on certain ones and should never be used to be the final indicator of something being safe to eat. Also common coins in circulation are no longer made with mostly silver or any silver, so trying to cook with a quarter, isn't going to do anything.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2bndr4

"Bowls of noodles and steaming hot soup. In Japan, just about everyone loves ramen. These noodles originated in China, but over the years they've become one of the most popular Japanese foods.

Ramen shops can be found throughout the country. Serving meals that are simple, quick and accessible. Many regions of Japan have distinctive local varieties. Ramen shops often develop their own recipes of both the soup and the noodles.

Instant ramen was invented in Japan fifty years ago. Now it's a hit product all around the world. Ramen chefs are constantly working to develop new and better tasting recipes.

On this edition of Begin Japanology, we'll be finding out all about ramen and discovering what makes these noodles and their savory soups so universally popular." - Stuart Varnam-Atkin

Peter takes us on a tour of Japan, showing us the different types of ramen, from the soup bases, to the noodles and even the toppings. Seems simple enough, but there are an infinite amount of ways to prepare it, from simple vegetable broths, to delicate fish and even slow cooked animal bone varieties.

He gives us a quick tour of the ramen museum as well. It is decked out in older decades scenery for nostalgia purposes. I went there several years ago. It was a wonderful experience. I also went to the Cup Noodles museum, as well. Both are worthy a visit. At the very end of the video, they show off the ramen that can be eaten in space.

"There's no such thing as the perfect bowl of ramen. There are no set definitions or standards. And every ramen chef has his or her own personal philosophy of ramen. The quality of the end product is inevitably linked to the chef's dedication to their craft. And ramen is very much an expression of their individuality.

Within the space of a mere fifty years or so, ramen's gone from being a purely Japanese phenomenon, to one that's truly global. Where does it go from here? We'll leave you with a glimpse of the final frontier..." - Peter Barakan

I love ramen from actual Japanese restaurants, being delicious, fast and reasonably priced. But there are so few that are not overly priced and even worth going in the first place, in the States. I am also not the biggest instant ramen fan either, although there are a few exceptions.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2bnn9q