Nasubi—the stage name of Japanese comedian Tomoaki Hamatsu—continued working as an actor after the reality-TV ordeal that made him famous. In 2024, the Associated Press reported that he was also devoting time to Fukushima reconstruction and awareness efforts. Those reports offer a picture of his life after the show, but they do not establish his exact schedule today.
Who is Nasubi?
Nasubi is Tomoaki Hamatsu, a Japanese comedian and actor. His stage name means “eggplant” in Japanese, a reference to his distinctive long face. He became known to television viewers through “A Life in Prizes,” a segment of the Japanese variety show Susunu! Denpa Shōnen.
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What happened to Nasubi on the show?
In 1998, Hamatsu auditioned for the program and was selected for a challenge that kept him isolated in a small apartment for about 15 months. He was initially naked, had little ordinary contact with the outside world, and had to enter magazine sweepstakes to win necessities. The target was 1 million yen in prizes, according to SBS’s 2024 account.
He knew there was a camera, but reports say he was led to believe much of the footage would not be used or would be broadcast later. In fact, the segment aired weekly and viewers could watch a livestream. Hamatsu did not know he had become a public figure until the experience ended. SBS reported that the program had 15 million weekly viewers; that figure is the outlet’s reported audience number, not an independently audited count.
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Hamatsu later described the deprivation and isolation in an interview with SBS: “Yes, I was naked, and I had to win my food too. I even ate dog food at one time. But the most difficult thing was being isolated and cut off from any human interaction.”
What has Nasubi done since the show?
In a 2024 report, the Associated Press described Hamatsu as continuing to work as an actor and devoting time to Fukushima reconstruction and raising awareness about the region. The report also says he climbed Mount Everest and dedicated the feat to Fukushima. SBS’s 2024 account described him as an established theatre actor and noted that he continued to grapple with mistrust and loneliness after the ordeal. These are dated accounts of his later life, not confirmation of his present-day work calendar.
Reflecting on the experience in the AP report, Hamatsu said: “But it’s just the opposite. That was the worst point in my life. I overcame that. And now I am free to do what I want.”
How does The Contestant revisit Nasubi’s story?
Clair Titley’s 2023 documentary The Contestant returns to the show and its effects on Hamatsu. Sheffield DocFest lists the film at 90 minutes and describes it as combining clips from the program, previously unseen footage, and interviews with Nasubi, his family, and the producer. Titley’s questions about the premise are captured in an SBS interview: “I was shocked and had so many questions: How could this happen? Why did Nasubi stay in there for so long? Did it even really happen?”
TIME reported in May 2024 that The Contestant was streaming on Hulu in the United States at that time. That is a historical availability note; streaming catalogs vary by territory and date, so check your local service listing for current access. The film is centered on Hamatsu’s experience rather than treating the story as a shorthand for Japanese culture.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you read Nasubi’s diaries?
In a Directors UK interview published July 2, 2025, Titley said Nasubi’s diaries had been published and that they helped the documentary explore parts of his experience beyond what appeared on television. The interview does not specify the edition or language, so check those details before choosing a listing; a search for “Nasubi diary book” alone may not identify the right publication.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Associated Press: Nasubi’s life and Fukushima-related work
- SBS Japanese: interview and account of the challenge
- TIME: interview and May 2024 Hulu availability report
- Los Angeles Times: coverage of The Contestant
- Sheffield DocFest: film details
- Directors UK: July 2025 interview with director Clair Titley
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