The film “The Contestant,” directed by Clair Titley, tells the story of a Japanese comedian nicknamed Nasubi who is forced to survive on mail-in coupons as part of a reality TV show called “A Life in Prizes.” Nasubi, whose real name is Tomoaki Hamatsu, remains naked throughout the show and dances to celebrate the things he manages to obtain, especially food. The documentary premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 and will be available for streaming on Hulu from May 2.
Titley’s documentary goes beyond the surface-level humor of the reality show and delves into the emotional impact it had on Hamatsu. Interviews with his family and friends reveal their mixed emotions of outrage, sorrow, and pride as they watched him endure the challenges of the show, including his nudity. The film also explores Hamatsu’s childhood experiences of being bullied and how he used laughter as a defense mechanism. Despite the hardships he faced, Hamatsu was deeply moved when he received a standing ovation at a New York screening of the documentary.
“The Contestant” raises important questions about the lengths society will go to for entertainment and the responsibility of viewers in consuming such content. The show’s producer mentioned in the documentary that he simply wanted to capture the moment and did not express any reservations about the production. Titley urges viewers to consider their own complicity in such narratives and reflects on the broader implications of society’s fascination with extreme reality TV shows.
Hamatsu, who hails from Fukushima, a region devastated by the 2011 triple disaster, continues to work as an actor and is dedicated to the reconstruction and raising awareness about the area. He emphasizes the hard work of the people of Fukushima in rebuilding their lives and communities. Despite the challenges he has faced, Hamatsu sees his Everest climbing achievement as a symbol of overcoming adversity and a dedication to his hometown.
While many remember Nasubi’s time on the reality show as a high point in his life, Hamatsu sees it as a period of great struggle that he has since overcome. He no longer feels confined to the limitations of that experience and is now free to pursue his passions. The documentary serves as a reflection on the impact of extreme reality TV shows on participants and viewers alike, urging audiences to consider the human cost behind such entertainment.
