“The Contestant” Is More Than a Cautionary Tale

Tomoaki Hamatsu, known as Nasubi, endured a harsh reality TV challenge on the Japanese show "Susunu! Denpa Shōnen," where he lived isolated in an apartment, surviving on sweepstakes winnings for fifteen months. The Hulu documentary "The Contestant" revisits this episode, exploring its impact on Nasubi and the ethical implications of such reality shows. Despite the psychological and physical toll, Nasubi later found a new purpose, using his fame for charitable endeavors, including a symbolic climb of Mt. Everest.