Hulu has revealed The Contestant release date for the documentary about the controversial Japanese reality TV show. The streaming company has announced that The Contestant will begin streaming on Hulu on Thursday, May 2.
“This true story of a Japanese reality TV star left naked in a room for more than a year, tasked with filling out magazine sweepstakes to earn food and clothing, prompts innumerable questions about our culture of oversharing,” reads the doc‘s official description.
The Contestant follows the story of Tomoaki Hamatsu — nicknamed Nasubi. In 1998, Nasubi believed he was about to take part in an audition when TV producer Toshio Tsuchiya had him enter a room and take part in a “challenge.” Locked in the room and naked with a stack of magazines, Nasubi spent months filing out magazine sweepstakes to earn supplies to continue living in the room — all while unknowingly being broadcast nationwide as part of the show Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes. The Contestant delves into Nasubi’s story and features interviews with Nasubi, Tsuchiya, and those close to them.
Who directed The Contestant?
It was directed and executive produced by Clair Titley and produced by Megumi Inman, Andee Ryder, and Ian Bonhôte. It was edited by Rachel Meyrick and Katie Bryer with cinematography by Mikul Eriksson.
