'The Contestant' on Hulu: How bizarre reality show contestant Tomoaki Hamatsu underwent months of trauma in the name of 'entertainment'
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FUKUSHIMA, JAPAN: Tomoaki Hamatsu, also known as Nasubi, takes the spotlight in Hulu's upcoming documentary 'The Contestant', which shines light on the origins of the controversial late '90s reality TV series 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes'.
For the unversed, 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes' featured comedian, Nasubi, who was isolated in a tiny room and had to live solely on items he acquired through mail-in coupons. Completely cut off from human contact, his ordeal was broadcast for viewers to watch.
The documentary also features interviews with the show's producer, Toshio Tsuchiya, who allegedly pushed boundaries, and Nasubi himself, whose life changed profoundly.
Who is Tomoaki Hamatsu aka Nasubi?
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Tomoaki Hamatsu, better known as Nasubi, took on a year-long challenge on the reality TV show 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes'. He reportedly lived naked in an apartment, unaware he was being live-streamed and survived solely on items he won from sweepstakes, according to Sportskeeda.
Despite winning various prizes, he reportedly lacked basic necessities like clothing. To keep the show's location secret, Nasubi was reportedly moved to different places. After 15 months of enduring these conditions, he finally completed the challenge, as per the outlet.
His ordeal captured the attention of millions who watched weekly, and his diaries about the experience became bestsellers. The difficulty Nasubi faced in adapting to normal life after the show ended underscored the profound effects of his unique ordeal.
What happened to Tomoaki Hamatsu during 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes'?
After 335 days on 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes', Nasubi finally reached his goal, winning prizes totaling ¥1 million. He believed he had earned a special vacation, but instead, the producers blindfolded him and took him to South Korea. There, he was placed in another isolated apartment and told to continue entering sweepstakes, as per MovieWeb.
Despite initial challenges, Nasubi quickly became skilled at winning prizes, soon gathering enough money for a flight back to Japan. However, the producers allegedly then demanded he purchase first-class tickets. However, Nasubi managed to meet this new demand in just a few weeks, as per the source.
After returning to Japan, Nasubi was taken to yet another isolated apartment. Feeling overwhelmed, he began undressing out of habit from his previous experience. But to his surprise, the walls of the apartment disappeared, revealing that he was actually in a live TV studio with a cheering audience, according to reports.
Inside the controversy surrounding 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes'
The reality TV series 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes' sparked controversy for its portrayal of extreme entertainment and disregard for consent by producers. In 1998, TV producer Toshio Tsuchiya reportedly invited Tomoaki Hamatsu to participate in a challenge where he was allegedly confined naked in a room with only magazines for sustenance.
Despite having the option to leave, Hamatsu reportedly chose to endure the task. Throughout his ordeal, he celebrated small victories, such as obtaining a pot of kimchi, with dances. However, unbeknownst to him, his experiences were broadcast to over 15 million viewers, catapulting him into unwitting celebrity status overnight.
Hulu's upcoming documentary, 'The Contestant', delves into these issues of consent and the extremes of entertainment media. Director Clair Titley's interviews with Hamatsu's family and friends reveal a range of emotions, from outrage to sorrow to pride, regarding his time on the reality show.
The harsh reality of 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes'
Nasubi's harrowing experience on 'Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes' unfolded without his awareness of the show's public broadcast. His ordeal, enduring deprivation of basic necessities and enduring degradation on a national platform, evokes distress among viewers. The visible decline in Nasubi's physical and mental state, evident through weight loss and slowed speech, underscores the severe toll of prolonged isolation.
Engaging in conversations with imaginary stuffed animals, initially a coping mechanism, later became a distressing sign of Nasubi's deteriorating mental health, reminiscent of Tom Hanks' character in 'Castaway,' painting a bleak narrative.
The refusal of producers to acknowledge the harm inflicted on contestants, including reports of alleged sexual abuse and instances of near-fatal dehydration, raises serious concerns. Instead, they opt to showcase the show's perceived 'miraculous' moments, sidestepping the profound and enduring impact on participants' lives, as per Sportskeeda.
Tomoaki Hamatsu's journey from local talent to Everest Conqueror
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After overcoming numerous obstacles in his pursuit of comedy fame, Hamatsu found recognition as a local talent in Fukushima. Expanding his horizons, he delved into dramatic stage acting, founding the troupe Eggplant Way and touring nationwide. While he didn't attain national comedian status, he garnered acclaim within Fukushima.
Notably, Hamatsu achieved a remarkable feat by successfully summiting Mount Everest on his fourth attempt on May 19, 2016. The documentary also chronicles his journey as a climber, tackling the formidable Mount Everest and dedicating his triumph to Fukushima.
Hamatsu has made notable guest appearances across various media platforms, including a role in the TV drama 'Jikou Keisatsu' in 2019. He previously appeared in 'Train Man' in 2005 and served as the host of a local Fukushima TV show promoting tourism for five years.
Currently, he remains actively engaged in the entertainment industry, also contributing as a quasi-influencer promoting Fukushima.
'The Contestant' will be available to stream on Hulu from Thursday, May 2