In a new documentary titled The Contestant, now available for streaming on Hulu, British filmmaker Clair Titley takes viewers on a deep dive into the harrowing experience of a Japanese reality TV star, Nasubi. The documentary sheds light on Nasubi's journey during the infamous challenge "A Life in Prizes" on the reality show Susunu! Denpa Shōnen.

The year was 1998 when Nasubi, an aspiring comedian, became a national celebrity unwittingly while living alone in a tiny apartment without clothes. Nasubi survived solely on magazine sweepstakes winnings, unaware that over 15 million people were watching his every move on the Nippon TV network.

The Contestant utilizes archival footage, news segments, and interviews with Nasubi and Denpa Shōnen producer Toshiba Tsuchiya to provide insight into the challenging 15 months Nasubi endured in isolation and how it profoundly impacted his life. The documentary is an exploration of the human side of Nasubi's story, both during and after his time on Denpa Shōnen.

Throughout the challenge, Nasubi faced extreme physical and mental hardships. Though he knew he was being filmed, the magnitude of the audience was kept hidden from him. Nasubi's mental health deteriorated as he battled with weight loss, hair loss, sleep deprivation, and constant physical discomfort. Nasubi candidly speaks about how he frequently wished for death during his time in the apartment.

After nearly a year, Nasubi achieved his goal of earning 1 million yen in prizes and was allowed to leave. However, his relief was short-lived when he was taken to South Korea and informed that he had to repeat the process until he earned the prize equivalent of a flight back to Japan. Despite the edited portrayal on the show, it took several hours for Tsuchiya to convince Nasubi to continue with the challenge in Korea, igniting anger and bitterness within him.

Nasubi reached his second goal after three more grueling months, and upon his return to Japan, he was welcomed by a live studio audience, completely shocked and disoriented by his newfound fame.

The Contestant delves into the aftermath of Nasubi's time on Denpa Shōnen, exploring his challenging re-adaptation to real life and coping with sudden fame. However, Nasubi eventually discovered a sense of purpose in helping others. Following the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Nasubi devoted himself to rescue and relief efforts, realizing that his past struggles could be used for a greater cause.

Surprisingly, Nasubi later reached out to Tsuchiya, despising him for years, to secure funding for a climb up Mount Everest, hoping to raise awareness for the disaster in Fukushima. Tsuchiya expressed remorse for the hardship he put Nasubi through, offering his support. After three failed attempts, Nasubi successfully summited Everest in 2016.

Today, Nasubi's commitment to assisting others continues to shape his life. He emphasizes the importance of channeling energy into helping those around him, allowing for personal growth and positive change, regardless of past traumas.

The Contestant provides a thought-provoking look into the intense reality of Nasubi's experience in "A Life in Prizes." It challenges viewers to reconsider their perception of reality TV and raises questions about the cruelty and impact of such shows in our society.

Hulu's documentary offers a glimpse into the captivating journey of Nasubi, from his time on Denpa Shōnen to his transformation into an advocate for others in the face of adversity.