Reality TV shows have entertained viewers for several decades. However, a Japanese show from the ’90s might be the most controversial one ever.
An upcoming documentary on Hulu titled The Contestant will delve into the story of A Life in Prizes (Susunu! Denpa Shōnen), a Japanese reality show where a contestant faced brutally harsh challenges. According to the Associated Press News, the individual who participated in this show was a comedian named Tomoaki Hamatsu, aka Nasubi. A Life in Prizes caused a stir of controversy because Hamatsu was forced to cut contact with the outside world and survived in isolation by redeeming mail-in coupons. Furthermore, the comedian remained naked during his appearance on the show.
In a recent Zoom interview with The Contestant’s director, Clair Titley, The Associated Press learned that after stumbling into A Life in Prizes, she reached out to the 48-year-old comedian. In addition, Canada’s National Post described A Life in Prizes, a combination of the films The Truman Show and OldBoy.
According to DOC NYC, the synopsis of The Contestant reads, “In 1998, Tomoaki Hamatsu, an aspiring Japanese comedian who became known as Nasubi, participated in a reality TV program. His Sisyphean challenge: to live alone in an apartment and subsist entirely off what he could win in magazine sweepstakes until he reaches 1 million yen in prizes.”
It further reads, “As days turn to weeks and months, the program, which is live-streamed, unbeknownst to Nasubi, grows popular, and the conditions take their toll on our hero. At the dawn of the internet age, this striking film forewarns the ethical concerns of reality entertainment in the 21st century.”
The producers of The Contestant are Andee Ryder, Megumi Inman, and Ian Bonhôte. In addition, its editors are Rachel Meyrick and Katie Bryer.
The Contestant on Hulu: What was Tomoaki Hamatsu’s biggest challenge?
Susunu! Denpa Shōnen aka. A Life in Prizes aired on the Nippon TV network aired from January 11, 1998, to September 29, 2002. Reports suggest that the nickname Nasubi originated from Hamatsu’s long chin. During his time on the reality show, Hamatsu never wore clothes and celebrated when he obtained rewards, mainly when it was food, like a pot of kimchi.
The Contestant not only explores the controversial show but also sheds light on Tomoaki Hamatsu’s childhood when he faced bullying due to the structure of his chin. To shield himself from bullies, he turned to comedy. Furthermore, the upcoming Hulu documentary features interviews with his family members and friends. They expressed their displeasure because of A Life in Prizes’s success. They were reportedly disturbed by Hamatsu’s condition, which included his nudity. According to Hamatsu, his biggest challenge on the show was isolation from the outside world for a year and three months. However, he also stated that being clothless and surviving on a small amount of food greatly affected him.
After The Contestant’s New York screening, Tomoaki Hamatsu received a standing ovation and was visibly emotional. In addition, he stated that the documentary managed to give a positive message. The comedian said, “I feel I was able to relay a positive message through the documentary.”
The Toronto International Film Festival premiered The Contestant during the 2023 edition of the event. It was also screened at the Camden International Film Festival.
The Contestant will come out on Hulu on May 2, 2024.
