Imagine being stripped of everything, including your clothes, and forced to survive solely on sweepstakes winnings. This was the reality for Nasubi, a young comedian who became the unwitting star of the Japanese reality show ‘Susunu! Denpa Shōnen.’ His ordeal, lasting over a year, was a twisted experiment in human endurance and a dark chapter in reality TV history.
The Unwitting Contestant
One Contestant: Tomoaki Hamatsu also called Nasubi, or “Eggplant” due to the shape of his head. He was an aspiring comedian, thought he hit the jackpot when he won a lottery to appear on a TV show. Little did he know, he was entering a cruel game of survival. However, the reality was far from glamorous. Blindfolded and taken to a bare apartment, he was instructed to strip naked and live off whatever he could win through magazine sweepstakes. This setup marked the beginning of an intense and isolating 15-month ordeal.
Isolated from the outside world, Nasubi’s daily life revolved around writing sweepstakes entries – a staggering 1400 per week. His wins ranged from small food items to toiletries, each victory a crucial step in his fight for survival. The show’s producers, unbeknownst to Nasubi, broadcast his naked struggle live, with his private parts covered by an animated eggplant, playing into the nickname ‘Nasubi’ (Japanese for eggplant).
The Psychological Impact
As weeks turned into months, the psychological impact on Nasubi grew. He was unaware that his ordeal was being watched by millions, his every move scrutinized and mocked. The show’s format, which included adding sound effects and editing for comedic effect, only amplified the dehumanizing aspect of his experience.
After finally reaching his goal of winning prizes worth one million yen, Nasubi was subjected to another cruel twist. He was relocated to South Korea to repeat the challenge, further prolonging his ordeal. When he finally completed the challenge, he was revealed to a live studio audience, still unaware of the show’s true nature.
What Happened to Nasubi after the Show
Post-show, Nasubi struggled to adjust to normal life. He reported feeling disoriented wearing clothes and had difficulty communicating with others. Despite the trauma, he expressed gratitude for the experience. His diaries, published during the show, became bestsellers in Japan. However, his subsequent career in entertainment was limited, mostly involving small stage plays.
In recent years, Nasubi’s story has gained international attention, and a documentary titled “The Contestant” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film covers his experiences and the impact of the dark reality TV show on his life, including his current involvement in supporting the recovery of his hometown, Fukushima.
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