'The Contestant' (2024) air date, plot, full cast and how to stream Hulu's dark documentary
Movie name: The Contestant
Platform: Hulu
Date of release: May 2, 2024
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes
Director: Clair Titley
Full cast list: Tomoaki Hamatsu, Jason Her, Toshio Tsuchiya
Hulu is gearing up for the release of their documentary 'The Contestant' which is set to release on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
The documentary dives into the unbelievable tale of Tomoaki Hamatsu, known as Nasubi, who tried out for a TV show in 1998. In 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes', the series that shot him to fame in Japan, Nasubi found himself stripped naked in an empty room for over a year, tasked with entering magazine sweepstakes to survive.
Unaware of his soaring popularity with over 15 million viewers, Nasubi survived.
Directed by Clair Titley, 'The Contestant' was produced by MRC, Misfits Entertainment, Megumi Inman, Andee Ryder, and Ian Bonhote.
The documentary also features interviews with the show's producer, Toshio Tsuchiya, who pushed boundaries, and Nasubi himself, whose life changed profoundly.
Who is Tomoaki Hamatsu aka Nasubi?
Tomoaki Hamatsu, known as Nasubi, endured a year-long challenge on the reality TV show 'Susunu! Denpa Shōnen', living naked in an apartment and surviving only on sweepstakes prizes.
Unaware of being live-streamed, he persisted through hunger and loneliness, winning various items but lacking essentials like clothing.
Despite relocating to maintain secrecy, Nasubi persisted, eventually achieving success after 15 months. His experience became a sensation, with millions of viewers tuning in each week and his diaries becoming bestsellers.
Nasubi's struggle to readjust after the show ended highlighted the lasting impact of his extraordinary journey.
What happened to Nasubi during 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes'?
After 335 days, Nasubi finally achieved his goal, accumulating prizes worth ¥1 million. He thought he had won a special trip, but producers blindfolded him and whisked him off to South Korea. There, he had to win enough money to fly back home to Japan.
Placed in another secluded apartment, Nasubi was instructed to enter more sweepstakes.
Despite initial struggles, Nasubi became adept at winning prizes and quickly amassed the required funds for the tickets. However, the producers changed the rules, demanding first-class tickets.
Nasubi persevered and met the new challenge within weeks. He returned to Japan but was taken to yet another secluded apartment.
Feeling defeated, Nasubi began undressing without instruction. Suddenly, the apartment walls collapsed, revealing a live television studio filled with cheering audience members.
How did 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes' end?
Nasubi, unaware of the show's airing, endured immense mental and emotional trauma on 'Susunu! Denpa Shonen'. The format of reality TV often exploits participants for ratings, as seen in similar shows like 'Survivor' and 'Fear Factor'.
Nasubi's suffering, stripped of basic necessities and degraded on national television, is disturbing to witness. His physical and mental deterioration over time, including weight loss and slowed speech, reflects the brutal toll of isolation.
Conversations with imagined stuffed animals, initially to preserve sanity but later a symptom of mental decline, paint a harrowing picture akin to Tom Hanks' character in 'Castaway.'
The producers' refusal to acknowledge the harm inflicted on contestants, including instances of sexual abuse and near-fatal dehydration, is troubling. Instead, they glorify the show's "miraculous" moments, neglecting the profound impact on participants' lives.
What is the plot of 'The Contestant'?
'The Contestant' recounts the astonishing true tale of a man confined to a small room for 15 months, stripped of clothing, food, and companionship. Unknown to him, his entire existence was broadcast on national TV to over 17 million viewers weekly.
The official synopsis reads, "A Japanese reality TV star left naked in a room for more than a year, tasked with filling out magazine sweepstakes to earn food and clothing."
'The Contestant' main cast
Tomoaki Hamatsu
View this post on Instagram
Tomoaki Hamatsu, born on August 3, 1975, is a Japanese comedian known by his stage name Nasubi, meaning 'eggplant' in Japanese.
He gained fame through his participation in the reality TV show 'Susunu! Denpa Shōnen' in 1998, where he endured a year-long challenge living naked in an apartment, surviving solely on sweepstakes prizes.
Despite the hardships he faced during and after the show, Nasubi has continued his career as a comedian and television personality. He is also known for his resilience, including his successful climb of Mount Everest in 2016.
Nasubi's story serves as a unique example of the impact of reality television on individuals' lives.
Jason Her
Jason Her, originally from South Korea, pursued his passion for acting after earning a BFA in media and film.
He garnered acclaim for his role in 'I Am Vengeance' and has since appeared in various TV shows and films, including 'Magnum P.I.', 'For All Mankind', and 'Criminal Minds'.
In addition to acting, Jason is a voice actor and Korean dialect coach, contributing to numerous projects across different platforms.
Toshio Tsuchiya
View this post on Instagram
Toshio Tsuchiya is the producer of 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes'.
There is limited information available about Toshio Tsuchiyai at the moment, but we will provide updates as soon as new details emerge.
How to stream 'The Contestant'?
'The Contestant' will begin streaming on Hulu from Thursday, May 2.
To view the documentary, you must have a subscription to the streaming service, which is divided into ad-supported and ad-free versions.
The package that includes advertising is available for just $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Additionally, the package without advertisements is $17.99 per month.
'The Contestant' trailer