If you’ve been on the internet for a while, it’s likely you’ve encountered the image of four guys sitting on a couch looking bored and then the immediate follow-up of them appearing ecstatic. Known as the “Gaijin 4-Koma” in both the English and Japanese language communities, their reactions have become a popular meme around the world to indicate that something is (or is not) exciting, and has even been parodied in the recent hit anime Bakemonogatari.

Though they have existed mostly as an image, a recent commercial for the television show The Ne Star features the men of the Gaijin 4-Koma and reveals that yes, they are real, and yes, they are that excited.

The Net Star is a program in Japan where its hosts discuss popular topics on the Japanese internet, from sites such as 2channel and Nico Nico Douga. The show began in 2007, and clips from previous episodes can be seen on the official website.

UPDATE: The 4 Gaijin were featured on the show itself.

Source: My Game News Flash, Canned Dogs