PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteNasubi is the stage name of Japanese comedian Tomoaki Hamatsu, who spent 15 months in a televised challenge called “A Life in Prizes.” Isolated in a room, he entered magazine sweepstakes and lived on the prizes he won. He knew a camera was recording him, but TIME reports he did not know the footage was being broadcast weekly to a huge audience. Clair Titley’s documentary The Contestant revisits the challenge through Nasubi’s experience and reflects on its lasting impact.
Who is Nasubi?
Nasubi is Tomoaki Hamatsu’s stage name. An aspiring comedian, he was selected at an audition in Tokyo in January 1998 to take part in “A Life in Prizes,” a challenge segment of the Japanese television program Denpa Shōnen. TIME recounts the selection and the challenge in its 2024 interview with Nasubi.
What happened to Nasubi on Denpa Shōnen?
The Japan challenge
Nasubi was placed in a sparsely furnished room, cut off from outside communication, and told to enter mail-in magazine sweepstakes. He had to live on the prizes he won until their total value reached 1 million yen. The premise made everyday survival depend on winning items through the post rather than on a regular supply of food or money.
The broadcast and what he knew
Nasubi knew he was being filmed. The crucial distinction is that, according to TIME, he was led to believe most of the footage would not air; he did not know the segment was being broadcast weekly to more than 15 million people. That figure is TIME’s reported audience estimate, not an independently audited measurement established by the sources cited here.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The South Korea phase
After Nasubi met the initial prize target in Japan, producer Toshio Tsuchiya took him to South Korea and asked him to repeat the challenge until he had won enough to cover a flight home. TIME reports that the program presented his agreement as immediate, though it took several hours to persuade him. TIME describes the full ordeal as lasting 15 months.
What were the consequences for Nasubi?
The experience was not simply an unusual television assignment in retrospect. Speaking to TIME about revisiting it for the documentary, Nasubi said, “It was difficult to revisit the past because I did have a big hole in my heart.” He added that it was “a bit traumatic for me.” Those are Nasubi’s descriptions of his own experience, not a clinical diagnosis.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
His life after the show also extended beyond the ordeal. TIME reports that he later devoted himself to relief work in Fukushima after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and that he summited Mount Everest in 2016 after three earlier failed attempts.
How is The Contestant different from the original show?
| Work | When and what it is | Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| A Life in Prizes | A 1998 challenge segment of Denpa Shōnen. | Nasubi’s sweepstakes challenge as it was presented on television. |
| The Contestant | A 2023, 90-minute documentary directed by Clair Titley; Sheffield DocFest lists it as a United Kingdom/Japan production, with Japanese and English listed as languages. | A later account of Nasubi’s experience, using show clips, previously unseen footage, and interviews with Nasubi, his family, and the producer. |
The documentary premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023. Its purpose is not to reproduce the original broadcast in full, but to return to the story with Nasubi’s perspective and the passage of time in view. Titley told Directors UK, “I was never making a documentary about reality TV in which he featured, I wasn’t doing a shock and awe story about this crazy show in which he featured – it was about him, and his journey.”
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How did the documentary approach Nasubi’s story?
Titley has described consent as an ongoing responsibility. In an interview with Directors UK, she said, “I approach every project – with the idea that consent is ongoing.” She also explained that she wanted Nasubi involved while retaining editorial responsibility as the director. That framing matters: the film revisits footage made under the original show’s conditions, but centers the person who lived through them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you watch The Contestant?
The Associated Press reported that Hulu began streaming the documentary on May 2, 2024. That is a historical launch date, not confirmation that the film remains available there or is available in every region. Check current listings in your country before planning to watch; present-day streaming availability is not established by the cited report.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
