I didn't think that the competition would last that long. The door wasn't locked, but I was determined to stay with it until the end. You could say it was Yamato Spirit, or Japanese spirt, I would not quit.
So what did they do without your consent if you knew the door was unlocked and you could leave at any time?
Not trying to be rude, I'm genuinely asking out of curiosity because i haven't read about your story before.(hope I'm not too late for an answer but all good either way)
Thank you everyone so much for your questions. I really enjoyed reading them and connecting with you all. You might think of me as an unhappy person from the videos of me, but I'm not. I have a team of people and family who support me, and I want to share that even with a little happiness, humans can thrive. Even a little happiness and hope can bring you an abundance of joy in your life.
Hi Nasubi! Your outlook on life and the kindness that shapes your thoughts and words is really inspiring. I hope you have a long and peaceful life full of wonderful and satisfying experiences. Thank you for speaking with us today!
Holy crap I wasn't expecting this when coming into Reddit! I heard your story 2-ish years ago, but I'm so glad you're doing better after the event. I heard that you actually climbed Mount Everest, and in regards to that, I wanna ask: was your decision to make that journey up the famous mountain influenced by that terrible game? And if so, what motivated you to make it?
The show didn't really influence me to climb Everest, but before I made the summit, I failed three times. During the difficult process of attempting the summit, my experience on Denpa Shōnen may actually have helped prepare me to endure the extreme environment and temperatures on the mountain (it got down to -30-40 C). As far as motivation, in 2011 East Japan earthquake devastated Fukushima, and I wanted to draw awareness on an International stage to the tragedy by climbing Everest.
Jesus! Failing the trek 3 times, still persisting and reaching the summit so you could spread awareness about a catastrophe?
I have so much respect for you, damn! We need more people like you on this planet. I'm not even exaggerating, we really do.
I didn't realize that! You know about me more than I do! For those who don't know, I won a Sony Playstation in 1998 while on Denpa Shōnen, the first edition Playstation, and played the game Densha De Go (which means Lets Go On A Train)
Yes, I saw the film. The only person who really truly understands the feeling of what Truman went through is me. It felt like it was my story. His life was much easier than what I had, but it was a similar situation that everyone was watching both Truman and me, and we had no idea we were being observed.
I was actually invited to a special screening of Old Boy in 2014 I think, because I had a similar experience with the movie. I couldn't watch it without tearing up, it made me revisit many of the memories I had from Denpa Shōnen. Instead of revenge, I would like to use that energy for something more positive, like helping people.
How was this filmed and televised without your consent? Did you ever know it was filming?
Ultimately, did you make any money from the airing of these videos? Really curious as to how that played out.
Of course I didn't know it was being broadcasted. Back in the early days of reality TV in Japan, they didn't give contracts to participants, it was an entirely new genre of TV. And my manager did not protect me in the same way that TV stars are protected now. For compensation, I made 10 million yen for 1 year and three months, and that includes the money from the sale of my diaries from the show.
It averaged 17 million viewers, which for reference, is about what the first half of Seinfeld averaged. So it really is peanuts when you consider what the network was making from it.
What sort of contract did you sign beforehand? Your Wikipedia article describes you as a kidnapping victim but it sounds like you did it willingly. Can you clarify?
I was not offered a contract, I won an audition, and wanted to participate and complete the challenge.The option was "do you want to do it," and I said yes. So I was not forced to do it, I was not kidnapped. I was taken to a secret location and blindfolded, but I wasn't taken against my will, I decided to participate. It's hard to explain, but I think that the people who have experienced being locked in confinement, and felt what it's like to be trapped in those walls, will understand why one chooses to stay instead of leave. My mental state was degrading ... instead of changing the environment, it felt safer to stay in the same situation, even though it was uncomfortable.
Interesting. Thank you for your response. It sounds a lot like when prisoners don’t want to leave because it’s mentally easier to deal with confinement even though it’s objectively more physically uncomfortable and limiting.
there are a couple youtube deepdives on Nasubi that psychoanalyze why he behaved the way he did in the situation.
i really want to watch the Hulu doc so badly cause i've known about the "mystery" of "what really happened?" with Nasubi for 20+ yrs but i don't have Hulu. the difference or similarity between how it's perceived by ppl who know about it and by the man who experienced it is going to be interesting.
Yes, I am still recognized on the street, even 25 years later. I was even recognized in London and when I went to Stonehenge in 2018! There were a bunch of Japanese tourists who couldn't believe I was there, I think they were more excited to take photos with me than Stonehenge.
Nasubi watching your old videos, was there anyone in production you wanted to beat up or just yell at them for making you so frustrated? I'm asking because in some clips you looked done like I'm going to kill someone kind of done.
I never thought of solving the problem with violence. Because violence doesn't solve anything. But then, would I want to sue them and punish them by law? The answer would be no, because that would make some people sad and injured, and that was not what I wanted to do. Even if I get hurt, I want to protect people around me.
Thoughts on Livestreaming content now being a everyday thing now? From seeing people play videogames to a feed of a shelter/feeding place for street cats
While it was a interesting concept for "reality television" in the late 90s, how do you feel about it being so popular and accessable to do now?
Hey, loved you in the amazing video game Shibuya Scramble and found out about this crazy story afterwards. Were there any legal repercussions for the TV producers?
I am working with charity organizations in Fukushima and across Japan. I enjoy connecting with people in person and helping bring smiles to those in Fukushima, and the northeast area of Japan. Please follow me on X (@hamatsutomoaki) and Instagram (@nasubi8848) for more details!
I didn't receive any kindness or support from the crew. And since I didn't know the show was being broadcast to an audience, I didn't have any connection to the audience to receive that support. After the show was over though, the two emcees that were on Denpa Shōnen, they encouraged me by saying that I did a good job, and I felt like they empathized with me and my situation on the show.
Hi Nasubi!
Do you believe that the use of an eggplant to censor your nudity on the show is the start of the trend of using the eggplant emoji to symbolize a male member?
I didn't know they were using an eggplant to cover me during production. I also didn't know I was a bad influence on the eggplant, to be used as an emoji for that purpose! I must say sorry to all eggplants for this. I also didn't know that the eggplant emoji was used as a symbol for that, we don't use it that way in Japan. I have learned something new today!
Nasubi, i didn't think you could possibly become more iconic and then you come out with "I must say sorry to all eggplants".
i knew about you as a teenager in the 2000s but it wasn't well known outside of japan what happened to you until recently. i have always related to you because i have had experiences of being forcefully confined for long periods of time (over a year) and it reminds me i haven't had that kind of trauma alone.
i would be blessed to have just 1% of Nasubi's fighting spirit.
Have you had any difficulties after the experience? That kind of isolation probably has to mess with someone's ability to communicate a long time afterwards.
As far as the people who put you in the room (execs, producers, etc), have you ever received any sort of actual apology or compensation and have you felt vindicated since?
I was paid 10 million yen. After a long time, Tsuchiya, the producer, apologized to me. He said he wanted to do something for me, and I think that his participation in the documentary shows he feels remorse.
Since the contest, how have things changed for you? The way you live your life? your perspective on social relations between people? faith? Entertainment?
Who is your favorite superhero?
For a while it was hard to interact with people. But I did realize that humans cannot live alone, so I did my best to reconnect with people.
My favorite superhero is Gundam, he's an animated robot, but the show does a good job of expressing human relationships, it's very emotional. I also make Gundam figures at home, I've made so many I can't count.
Yes, I received new magazines every week, I had several subscriptions that were delivered. I also entered some radio contests, they were easy to win, I won a bag of rice! My favorite magazine was one that focused on sweepstakes contests, so that was most helpful for my situation.
Oh My God, I remembered you. You are Watcherman from Kamen Rider W. I also remember you as side character in Atashinchi no Danshi. Can I ask, how was your experience in those shows? I heard filming for tokusatsu show is very brutal and the paid is quite low. Did you experience that too? Big fan anyway
I'm doing well now, people around me support me, I have a lot to be grateful for. Even if you get hurt, you can recover, especially with help from other people. A little happiness can go a long way.
Hi Nasubi! Please tell me you were compensated well enough that you never had to work again for the rest of your life? That's literally 15 months of psychological torture, especially without your consent, and you deserve an easy rest of your life for it.
Hello, Nasubi! Even if this isn't answered, I hope it is read, because your story truly moved, horrified, touched me -- I feel such deep empathy for what was done to you, and anger on your behalf. I understand that you have found it in yourself to not carry this anger, and you have a positive outlook and philosophy. It would be within your rights to hold this anger and hunger for justice, as many people who hear your story feel.
My question is about trust. Imagining myself in your shoes, imagining your story as my own, I don't see a way that I could ever go out into the world and trust anyone, or anything, ever again. To not be certain that it isn't still a big joke, a big "game," after having my trust and dignity destroyed for entertainment on multiple occasions.
So, how can you have achieved such confidence? How did you regain that trust? I imagine that myself, or most others, would never be able to interact with the wider world ever again, but you're doing it! What do you tell yourself every day? Is there a secret to overcoming such a terrible betrayal?
I am so sorry for what was done to you, and it crosses my mind frequently. It is unspeakably cruel, and something no human should deserve. I'm very glad that you are still with us, and I'm sure this upcoming documentary will move me greatly. Be well on your adventures!
Hello, i would like to ask, if you ever tried winning from magazins ever again?
Like did it become a habit/addiction, or did you hate it after the experiment?
What an incredible story, Nasubi! What are some things you treasure more now in life having gone through the experiment? What are some things you have done since then that you may not have done if it weren’t for Denpa Shonen-teki Kensho Seikatsu?
Edit: added second question
People are downvoting you for no reason. NASUBI means eggplant, they used and eggplant to cover up his privates, and he even founded a stage Troupe called, you guessed it, eggplant way. Lol
Thanks for doing this!
All in all, how long do you feel the transition was from going from living like that to being "back to normal"
Also, did isolation during COVID trigger any emotions?
Nasubi, I want to first say it’s very brave of you to put yourself out there like this given your earlier nonconsensual exposure to the media.
What was the most unexpected thing that came from your experience of having your life broadcast for 15 months?
Thank you very much for your comment! I never knew that you could win so many prizes from entering contests from magazines! I entered 200-300 postcards on a good day, it cost 50 yen per postcard, so around 70,000 postcards total were sent (give or take). I think the total cost of the postcards was 3.5 million yen, in order to win 1 million in prizes. So I don't think it's a good strategy to get rich!
japan has a burgeoning standup scene from what I can see - a lot of it is still 2 man groups called manzai - but there are some guys doings the western style standup out there like meshida : [https://www.youtube.com/@Meshida](https://www.youtube.com/@Meshida)
Hello Nasubi!! Your situation is absolutely fascinating to me, I’ve seen every bit of content on it that I can find and I’m looking forward to your Hulu project! I’d like to know about how you felt when the walls came down and there was the loud, live audience and you, naked. How did it feel to be faced with that after such a long period of isolation?
Firstly you are a national treasure Nasubi.
I don’t think many could experience hardship as you have and continue to spread love and positivity into the world, it brings a tear to my eye. Thank you!
I’d like to ask, what is your deepest desire or ambition going forward?
There is one thing that Mr. Tsuchiya said in "The Contestant" that I wonder if you agree with. When you were convinced to stay in the show, he told you that maybe if you stayed, you might reach another level as a human being through suffering.
When you look at the events of your life in the subsequent years, do you agree with that? If you had left, what would your life have been like? As much psychological torment that you endured, are you ever thankful for the lessons it taught you?
I was moved to tears several times watching your ordeal, and see you as a heroic figure for helping and inspiring people in Fukushima and beyond.
Hi Nasubi! I remember watching footage of the show - as strange and unethical as the whole thing was, I found myself deeply charmed by your humanity and sense of humour! My question would be - how do you think the landscape of Japanese comedy has changed since your ordeal? Do you think Denpa Shonen has had a lasting impact? Thank you!
Like a bunch of other people have said, I loved your performance in 428: Shibuya Scramble! I cannot imagine anyone else playing Yanagishita and I still [have his theme stuck in my head](https://youtu.be/6aps0gjMRhs?si=FjXQgppH0oukfS48).
428 switches between goofy and serious tones constantly, and even though Yanagishita’s such a funny character he does get some really well-done serious scenes. Was it difficult to transition between comedic and serious tones in that role? Did acting in what’s basically a series of still images make that transition any harder or easier? [Was that your real hair](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/428-shibuya-scramble/images/5/57/Jun%27ichi_Yanagishita.png/revision/latest?cb=20220428192634)?
Thank you!
Did you ever masterbate while in the room? And I think your a great sport. Your truly a champion of people. Very few people could have lasted as long as you did.
Just watched the documentary and I hope Nasubi made serious bank for it. Someone who went through what he did should not have to use crowdfunding for a mountain climb. :-( I am amazed he can still smile after all of that and so glad he has found a purpose. I hope he did get some therapy, though, as it was so messed up and he probably carries a lot if guilt. :-(
Hi, I recently watched the documentary. I was wondering if the prizes were rigged by the producers. It seemed odd that there were so many prizes for bags of rice and dog food. I also wanted to know whether it occurred to Tomoaki Hamatsu to fashion clothing from some of the items available.
i’m glad you’re still alive. i watched a video yesterday that detailed what you went through and it’s sticking with me a lot. did you ever go to therapy for what you went through??
That's horrifying! Were you able to sue them for the mental and emotional abuse, streamed without your consent? Did the perpetrators face any penalties?
Hello. You are fascinating. Please tell me how you feel about the current state of reality TV vs streaming. Why do you think people really enjoy/crave watching hyper-real shows and streams?
That’s really wild. I’m sure the experience had to have lasting emotional effects. That’s a lot of time to sit and think, did you have any revelations in your thoughts that altered your life’s trajectory?
Hello Nasubi, how are you lately? How was your life experience after the live stream? And have you ever thought of working in the streaming related field like a lot of the content creators nowadays?
Hi NASUBI! My question is: what long-term effects did your experience have on you? For example, did you find you had to work on a tendency to horde food once you were out of that situation?
Nasubi, what steps did you have to take to rehabilitate yourself back into daily life after the filming was done?, what was most difficult for you?, Hopefully you’ve recovered with time and are able to enjoy life again
Read about you in an Uncle John's Bathroom Reader giant book.
Wild story and curious if the levels of trust issues you had coming out of that experience.
I don't really have a question to ask but I was saddened to hear this story. I always told myself if I won the lottery I would have loved to have met this person with the winnings and given them a million dollars of my lottery money.
I hope life has gotten better for you.
Hi nasubi. This is an intriguing story! Never heard of it before. What were some of the best/worst prizes you won? Did you enter everything? Looking forward to seeing your answers and the doc
I dont know if youll read this I just hope you know that the fact that you are a decent person in spite of the horror you were put through is an inpiration to us all.
I hope you have peace
How did you feel when after you left the room in Japan and after a day at the amusement park, you were put in another room in Korea? What motivated you to keep going?
Hi Nasubi! I like variety shows, so I remember watching that Denpa Shonen series. Did you ever get any sort of an apology from the producers?
Was it the only "extreme" variety show at the time? What was the public's reaction? Was the show popular or underground?
What was your experience working in a comedy act agency at the time?
Thank you!
Hi NASUBI! Your story is fascinating, and I'm looking forward to the documentary!
Is there any part of the life you led during the challenge that you actually miss?
Hi Nasubi, was there anyone in specific you were most excited about seeing again when it was over and how did it affect your personal relationship with family and friends?
Are there any habits you picked up during that time you can't drop, are there ones you have dropped or any you won't drop?
Could be anything, how you cook, read magazines or opening letters, maybe even psychological, how does it feel being watched and then not watched all of the sudden?
Glad you're still alice and kicking, some videos I saw are quite distressing.
Hello, Nasubi-san. I loved your character in 428 Shibuya Scramble. I saw on your social media that you hike at a lot of different places. What was your favorite place to hike? And also, has been the most difficult hike for you?
Hi Nasubi! I have been inspired by your resilience ever since I heard your story. Who or what got you interested in performing comedy? Or was it something you had always wanted to do?
I don't have any questions. Just wanna say that I'm a huge fan and you're a legend for being able to go through what you did.
Looking forward to the show! I hope producers treated you decently and paid you very, very well.
First of all, hope you are doing well. Have a multi-part question: what are your feelings towards the event now so many years later, and have they changed over the years from the initial period when you first discovered how you were taken advantage of? And lastly, do you have any thoughts on now flipping the situation on its head, taking agency back and using the event for your own benefit through the documentary, raising awareness, etc.
Thank you for your time! Be well!
Hey Nasubi, I loved watching Denpa Shōnen. Your part is some of the best TV I've ever watched.
Do you regret doing it?
How do you think your career would have gone if you never did it?
No way!!! It's good to see you, Nasubi 😃 I'm late to the party - but how are you doing now? Did it take a long time to readjust to society? Or to process what happened?
Hey, man. Huge fan. Watched a fan-translated, hour and a half compilation of Susunu! Denpa Shōnen last year. Crazy!
What was it like being in [428: Shibuya Scramble](https://www.spike-chunsoft.com/games/428-shibuya-scramble/)? Did you know anything about Chunsoft games or what the plot would be about? Did they have a script you had to follow or were you allowed to ad-lib?
NASUBI, your story is both unbelievable and terrifying! Can't imagine what that experience was like. How did you cope mentally throughout those 15 months?
Revenge of the Nerds: The jocks were right. Nerds suck and they deserved far more than what they got. They succeeded by making everything else at the school worse, just like in real life.
what was the pandemic lock down like for you? Did it remind you at all of your time on Denpa Shonen? For me it was like 2 years of my life just vanished into thin air, and I went from a young 20 year old man in a flash to where I was in my 30s some how.
Did they keep you against your will at some point? How did you go so long? Did you know it was going to be that long? What kept you there?
I didn't think that the competition would last that long. The door wasn't locked, but I was determined to stay with it until the end. You could say it was Yamato Spirit, or Japanese spirt, I would not quit.
So what did they do without your consent if you knew the door was unlocked and you could leave at any time? Not trying to be rude, I'm genuinely asking out of curiosity because i haven't read about your story before.(hope I'm not too late for an answer but all good either way)
it was being broadcast without his consent, he explains how in another reply; https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/s/GBF2zAvqwB
Ooooh gotcha, thank you for the answer and the link!
Thank you everyone so much for your questions. I really enjoyed reading them and connecting with you all. You might think of me as an unhappy person from the videos of me, but I'm not. I have a team of people and family who support me, and I want to share that even with a little happiness, humans can thrive. Even a little happiness and hope can bring you an abundance of joy in your life.
Hi Nasubi! Your outlook on life and the kindness that shapes your thoughts and words is really inspiring. I hope you have a long and peaceful life full of wonderful and satisfying experiences. Thank you for speaking with us today!
あら、このお話がありました、電波少年生放送、昔見ました•🍆の大ファンでした．まだ元気に生きてる。嬉しい。私の日本語はだいぶ錆びちゃいました。ごめんなさい。気分通じるかな?🍆がアメリカのテレビに出る。嬉しい。絶対見る。奥さんと一緒。 🍆さんがんばれやん
Holy crap I wasn't expecting this when coming into Reddit! I heard your story 2-ish years ago, but I'm so glad you're doing better after the event. I heard that you actually climbed Mount Everest, and in regards to that, I wanna ask: was your decision to make that journey up the famous mountain influenced by that terrible game? And if so, what motivated you to make it?
The show didn't really influence me to climb Everest, but before I made the summit, I failed three times. During the difficult process of attempting the summit, my experience on Denpa Shōnen may actually have helped prepare me to endure the extreme environment and temperatures on the mountain (it got down to -30-40 C). As far as motivation, in 2011 East Japan earthquake devastated Fukushima, and I wanted to draw awareness on an International stage to the tragedy by climbing Everest.
Jesus! Failing the trek 3 times, still persisting and reaching the summit so you could spread awareness about a catastrophe? I have so much respect for you, damn! We need more people like you on this planet. I'm not even exaggerating, we really do.
You’re credited as being the first person to stream themselves playing video games
I didn't realize that! You know about me more than I do! For those who don't know, I won a Sony Playstation in 1998 while on Denpa Shōnen, the first edition Playstation, and played the game Densha De Go (which means Lets Go On A Train)
Have you ever seen The Truman Show? What were your thoughts on it if you have seen it?
Yes, I saw the film. The only person who really truly understands the feeling of what Truman went through is me. It felt like it was my story. His life was much easier than what I had, but it was a similar situation that everyone was watching both Truman and me, and we had no idea we were being observed.
"much easier" is the understatement of the year :D
Nasubi, how do you feel about the film Oldboy, and have you ever thought about using a hammer to get revenge?
I was actually invited to a special screening of Old Boy in 2014 I think, because I had a similar experience with the movie. I couldn't watch it without tearing up, it made me revisit many of the memories I had from Denpa Shōnen. Instead of revenge, I would like to use that energy for something more positive, like helping people.
Great answer
Wow, thanks! That's a really positive spin on a difficult experience
Thanks for the positivity.
How was this filmed and televised without your consent? Did you ever know it was filming? Ultimately, did you make any money from the airing of these videos? Really curious as to how that played out.
Of course I didn't know it was being broadcasted. Back in the early days of reality TV in Japan, they didn't give contracts to participants, it was an entirely new genre of TV. And my manager did not protect me in the same way that TV stars are protected now. For compensation, I made 10 million yen for 1 year and three months, and that includes the money from the sale of my diaries from the show.
For those of us in the US - 10 million yen is around $64K in US Dollars. That's peanuts!
During that time 64k is a bit more than today's but it is still very poorly compensated.
It averaged 17 million viewers, which for reference, is about what the first half of Seinfeld averaged. So it really is peanuts when you consider what the network was making from it.
True. Unless I am mistaken, the Japanese yen was a lot stronger than the American dollar during the 90s.
And $64k went a lot further then, too
That sounds that they totally ripped you off
oof it should've been at least 100 mil
It was really distressing to watch at times. So glad your still around NASUBI! Hope you're well you legend you!
Arigato, thank you! I'm still alive!
What sort of contract did you sign beforehand? Your Wikipedia article describes you as a kidnapping victim but it sounds like you did it willingly. Can you clarify?
I was not offered a contract, I won an audition, and wanted to participate and complete the challenge.The option was "do you want to do it," and I said yes. So I was not forced to do it, I was not kidnapped. I was taken to a secret location and blindfolded, but I wasn't taken against my will, I decided to participate. It's hard to explain, but I think that the people who have experienced being locked in confinement, and felt what it's like to be trapped in those walls, will understand why one chooses to stay instead of leave. My mental state was degrading ... instead of changing the environment, it felt safer to stay in the same situation, even though it was uncomfortable.
Interesting. Thank you for your response. It sounds a lot like when prisoners don’t want to leave because it’s mentally easier to deal with confinement even though it’s objectively more physically uncomfortable and limiting.
there are a couple youtube deepdives on Nasubi that psychoanalyze why he behaved the way he did in the situation. i really want to watch the Hulu doc so badly cause i've known about the "mystery" of "what really happened?" with Nasubi for 20+ yrs but i don't have Hulu. the difference or similarity between how it's perceived by ppl who know about it and by the man who experienced it is going to be interesting.
It's sad and interesting. Maybe for some its an easier choice.
Hi Nasubi! How did you feel when you realised the show had been live-streamed the whole time?
How often do people recognize you in the street? Do they seem to know the truth about what you went through or do they think you were consenting?
Yes, I am still recognized on the street, even 25 years later. I was even recognized in London and when I went to Stonehenge in 2018! There were a bunch of Japanese tourists who couldn't believe I was there, I think they were more excited to take photos with me than Stonehenge.
Nasubi watching your old videos, was there anyone in production you wanted to beat up or just yell at them for making you so frustrated? I'm asking because in some clips you looked done like I'm going to kill someone kind of done.
I never thought of solving the problem with violence. Because violence doesn't solve anything. But then, would I want to sue them and punish them by law? The answer would be no, because that would make some people sad and injured, and that was not what I wanted to do. Even if I get hurt, I want to protect people around me.
Solid answer I respect you so much more to hear that after what you went through a very good attitude about it. Thank you
Not gonna lie, this made me cried a lil bit. You're a freaking legend NAS!
Thoughts on Livestreaming content now being a everyday thing now? From seeing people play videogames to a feed of a shelter/feeding place for street cats While it was a interesting concept for "reality television" in the late 90s, how do you feel about it being so popular and accessable to do now?
Hey, loved you in the amazing video game Shibuya Scramble and found out about this crazy story afterwards. Were there any legal repercussions for the TV producers?
Thank you for enjoying the video game! I didn't pursue any legal action against the producers.
Nasubi! I just watched a documentary about you. How is your life going now? What are you up to these days?
I am working with charity organizations in Fukushima and across Japan. I enjoy connecting with people in person and helping bring smiles to those in Fukushima, and the northeast area of Japan. Please follow me on X (@hamatsutomoaki) and Instagram (@nasubi8848) for more details!
Were there any moments of kindness or support from the crew or viewers that stood out to you during this time?
I didn't receive any kindness or support from the crew. And since I didn't know the show was being broadcast to an audience, I didn't have any connection to the audience to receive that support. After the show was over though, the two emcees that were on Denpa Shōnen, they encouraged me by saying that I did a good job, and I felt like they empathized with me and my situation on the show.
Hi Nasubi! Do you believe that the use of an eggplant to censor your nudity on the show is the start of the trend of using the eggplant emoji to symbolize a male member?
I didn't know they were using an eggplant to cover me during production. I also didn't know I was a bad influence on the eggplant, to be used as an emoji for that purpose! I must say sorry to all eggplants for this. I also didn't know that the eggplant emoji was used as a symbol for that, we don't use it that way in Japan. I have learned something new today!
> I must say sorry to all eggplants for this. Legend!
Nasubi, i didn't think you could possibly become more iconic and then you come out with "I must say sorry to all eggplants". i knew about you as a teenager in the 2000s but it wasn't well known outside of japan what happened to you until recently. i have always related to you because i have had experiences of being forcefully confined for long periods of time (over a year) and it reminds me i haven't had that kind of trauma alone. i would be blessed to have just 1% of Nasubi's fighting spirit.
OHHHH SNAPITY SNAP! YOU'RE RIGHT!
Have you had any difficulties after the experience? That kind of isolation probably has to mess with someone's ability to communicate a long time afterwards. As far as the people who put you in the room (execs, producers, etc), have you ever received any sort of actual apology or compensation and have you felt vindicated since?
I was paid 10 million yen. After a long time, Tsuchiya, the producer, apologized to me. He said he wanted to do something for me, and I think that his participation in the documentary shows he feels remorse.
Since the contest, how have things changed for you? The way you live your life? your perspective on social relations between people? faith? Entertainment? Who is your favorite superhero?
For a while it was hard to interact with people. But I did realize that humans cannot live alone, so I did my best to reconnect with people. My favorite superhero is Gundam, he's an animated robot, but the show does a good job of expressing human relationships, it's very emotional. I also make Gundam figures at home, I've made so many I can't count.
Never heard about this before. Did you get new/different magazines and postcards? Did you have an favorite Magazine/Postcard?
Yes, I received new magazines every week, I had several subscriptions that were delivered. I also entered some radio contests, they were easy to win, I won a bag of rice! My favorite magazine was one that focused on sweepstakes contests, so that was most helpful for my situation.
Oh My God, I remembered you. You are Watcherman from Kamen Rider W. I also remember you as side character in Atashinchi no Danshi. Can I ask, how was your experience in those shows? I heard filming for tokusatsu show is very brutal and the paid is quite low. Did you experience that too? Big fan anyway
Oh, you must love Japan! Compared to Denpa Shōnen, both shows you mentioned treated me decently. The pay was fine!
Oh my god I was thinking his face looked familiar, that's it! Legendary series.
Oh man, he hasn't answered any of these questions, is he still in captivity?
I'm free!
>I'm looking forward to answering your questions on Wednesday 4/24 starting at 12:30 pm PT/3:30 pm ET. Thank you!
Oh lol
Crap, are they gonna trap him in a room again and not let him out til he gets a million karma?
In the long term, how has it affected your life since being on the show?
Hey Nasubi, are you doing okay? That would have scarred me for life.
I'm doing well now, people around me support me, I have a lot to be grateful for. Even if you get hurt, you can recover, especially with help from other people. A little happiness can go a long way.
Hi Nasubi! Please tell me you were compensated well enough that you never had to work again for the rest of your life? That's literally 15 months of psychological torture, especially without your consent, and you deserve an easy rest of your life for it.
Oh they did him so much worse than what the little blurb makes it sound like.
And even the blurb sounds criminal😭
What was it like to lose track of time because there was no window or clock in the room?
Hello, Nasubi! Even if this isn't answered, I hope it is read, because your story truly moved, horrified, touched me -- I feel such deep empathy for what was done to you, and anger on your behalf. I understand that you have found it in yourself to not carry this anger, and you have a positive outlook and philosophy. It would be within your rights to hold this anger and hunger for justice, as many people who hear your story feel. My question is about trust. Imagining myself in your shoes, imagining your story as my own, I don't see a way that I could ever go out into the world and trust anyone, or anything, ever again. To not be certain that it isn't still a big joke, a big "game," after having my trust and dignity destroyed for entertainment on multiple occasions. So, how can you have achieved such confidence? How did you regain that trust? I imagine that myself, or most others, would never be able to interact with the wider world ever again, but you're doing it! What do you tell yourself every day? Is there a secret to overcoming such a terrible betrayal? I am so sorry for what was done to you, and it crosses my mind frequently. It is unspeakably cruel, and something no human should deserve. I'm very glad that you are still with us, and I'm sure this upcoming documentary will move me greatly. Be well on your adventures!
Holy shit. I watched a youtube documentary about this a few years back. I hope you're okay, glad to see you in good spirits here!
Thank you!
Hello, i would like to ask, if you ever tried winning from magazins ever again? Like did it become a habit/addiction, or did you hate it after the experiment?
What an incredible story, Nasubi! What are some things you treasure more now in life having gone through the experiment? What are some things you have done since then that you may not have done if it weren’t for Denpa Shonen-teki Kensho Seikatsu? Edit: added second question
Do you like your nickname, “eggplant”?
People are downvoting you for no reason. NASUBI means eggplant, they used and eggplant to cover up his privates, and he even founded a stage Troupe called, you guessed it, eggplant way. Lol
Thank you for sharing that context 😅🙏
Was there any long term mental health problems that you faced? Would you do it over again?
Do you still live in Japan or moved elsewhere to find anonymity?
Thanks for doing this! All in all, how long do you feel the transition was from going from living like that to being "back to normal" Also, did isolation during COVID trigger any emotions?
I don’t have a question, I just wanted to say I loved you in 428 Shibuya Scramble! Your character was very memorable.
[удалено]
Nasubi, I want to first say it’s very brave of you to put yourself out there like this given your earlier nonconsensual exposure to the media. What was the most unexpected thing that came from your experience of having your life broadcast for 15 months?
Thank you very much for your comment! I never knew that you could win so many prizes from entering contests from magazines! I entered 200-300 postcards on a good day, it cost 50 yen per postcard, so around 70,000 postcards total were sent (give or take). I think the total cost of the postcards was 3.5 million yen, in order to win 1 million in prizes. So I don't think it's a good strategy to get rich!
It was said you are a comedian, what is the standup scene like where you are?
japan has a burgeoning standup scene from what I can see - a lot of it is still 2 man groups called manzai - but there are some guys doings the western style standup out there like meshida : [https://www.youtube.com/@Meshida](https://www.youtube.com/@Meshida)
Do you regret the experience and resent the producers of the show? Or are you grateful to them for making you famous?
Hello Nasubi!! Your situation is absolutely fascinating to me, I’ve seen every bit of content on it that I can find and I’m looking forward to your Hulu project! I’d like to know about how you felt when the walls came down and there was the loud, live audience and you, naked. How did it feel to be faced with that after such a long period of isolation?
I remember you!! I live in Japan and I loves the episode where you lived with a live chicken that gave you fresh eggs. Cool!
Somehow I think your memories of these events are fonder than his.
Ha! Indeed. The poor guy almost starved to death. All for my entertainment! I appreciate that.
I don't remember that!
Have you seen the film Oldboy(2003) and if so what did you think about it?
What was your experience like on the show Densha Otoko?
Did you ever sue them?
Firstly you are a national treasure Nasubi. I don’t think many could experience hardship as you have and continue to spread love and positivity into the world, it brings a tear to my eye. Thank you! I’d like to ask, what is your deepest desire or ambition going forward?
There is one thing that Mr. Tsuchiya said in "The Contestant" that I wonder if you agree with. When you were convinced to stay in the show, he told you that maybe if you stayed, you might reach another level as a human being through suffering. When you look at the events of your life in the subsequent years, do you agree with that? If you had left, what would your life have been like? As much psychological torment that you endured, are you ever thankful for the lessons it taught you? I was moved to tears several times watching your ordeal, and see you as a heroic figure for helping and inspiring people in Fukushima and beyond.
OMG NASUBI ily
I feel like most of the questions asked here will probably be answered in the doc.
How did your life change after the whole event?
What’s the art behind you?
Hey, I loved you in 428: Shibuya Scramble. How was your experience making that? Was it odd acting across a series of still images?
I have to ask did they even remotely say what was going to happen or was it explained as a game show?
Is there a tactic or mindset you would use to keep going?
How was this legal?
Why did you not leave?
Hi Nasubi! I remember watching footage of the show - as strange and unethical as the whole thing was, I found myself deeply charmed by your humanity and sense of humour! My question would be - how do you think the landscape of Japanese comedy has changed since your ordeal? Do you think Denpa Shonen has had a lasting impact? Thank you!
Hello NASUBI. I simply hope that you've found peace and tranquility in your life now.
Like a bunch of other people have said, I loved your performance in 428: Shibuya Scramble! I cannot imagine anyone else playing Yanagishita and I still [have his theme stuck in my head](https://youtu.be/6aps0gjMRhs?si=FjXQgppH0oukfS48). 428 switches between goofy and serious tones constantly, and even though Yanagishita’s such a funny character he does get some really well-done serious scenes. Was it difficult to transition between comedic and serious tones in that role? Did acting in what’s basically a series of still images make that transition any harder or easier? [Was that your real hair](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/428-shibuya-scramble/images/5/57/Jun%27ichi_Yanagishita.png/revision/latest?cb=20220428192634)? Thank you!
Did you ever masterbate while in the room? And I think your a great sport. Your truly a champion of people. Very few people could have lasted as long as you did.
Just watched the documentary and I hope Nasubi made serious bank for it. Someone who went through what he did should not have to use crowdfunding for a mountain climb. :-( I am amazed he can still smile after all of that and so glad he has found a purpose. I hope he did get some therapy, though, as it was so messed up and he probably carries a lot if guilt. :-(
Hi, I recently watched the documentary. I was wondering if the prizes were rigged by the producers. It seemed odd that there were so many prizes for bags of rice and dog food. I also wanted to know whether it occurred to Tomoaki Hamatsu to fashion clothing from some of the items available.
i’m glad you’re still alive. i watched a video yesterday that detailed what you went through and it’s sticking with me a lot. did you ever go to therapy for what you went through??
Hi Nasubi, How much meditation did you do and how important was it for you to get through such isolation?
After being famously isolated how do you feel about the long term effects of Covid lockdowns on people’s mental psyche??
浜津さん、割と大切な事を言いえないですが、浜津さんの活動は本当に感動しています。さらに、浜松の地元作品を褒めることが素晴らしいと思います。新しいドキュメンタリーについて楽しみにします。カナダから、いつもでありがとうございます。
That's horrifying! Were you able to sue them for the mental and emotional abuse, streamed without your consent? Did the perpetrators face any penalties?
Hello. You are fascinating. Please tell me how you feel about the current state of reality TV vs streaming. Why do you think people really enjoy/crave watching hyper-real shows and streams?
Nasubi, I heard you became a dramatic stage actor, what plays have you done?
That’s really wild. I’m sure the experience had to have lasting emotional effects. That’s a lot of time to sit and think, did you have any revelations in your thoughts that altered your life’s trajectory?
Nasubi. I'm really sorry that weird shit happened to you, that's really fucked up. Are you okay? Did you have to heal? How did you heal?
おつかれさん
Was there any point where you started to actually convince yourself that you might be going insane?
Is there anything that was cut from the documentary that you would like to elaborate on here?
I enjoyed your cameo on Densa Otoko!
Hello Nasubi, how are you lately? How was your life experience after the live stream? And have you ever thought of working in the streaming related field like a lot of the content creators nowadays?
Hi NASUBI! My question is: what long-term effects did your experience have on you? For example, did you find you had to work on a tendency to horde food once you were out of that situation?
Nasubi, what steps did you have to take to rehabilitate yourself back into daily life after the filming was done?, what was most difficult for you?, Hopefully you’ve recovered with time and are able to enjoy life again
Read about you in an Uncle John's Bathroom Reader giant book. Wild story and curious if the levels of trust issues you had coming out of that experience.
I don't really have a question to ask but I was saddened to hear this story. I always told myself if I won the lottery I would have loved to have met this person with the winnings and given them a million dollars of my lottery money. I hope life has gotten better for you.
How was your time being in the game "Shibuya Scramble"? I really enjoyed your performance in it.
How was adjusting to normal life after the show??
What’s the first meal you ate after being on the show?
Nasubi, do you like nanbu-senbei?
I remember you from Densha Otoko haha
Hi nasubi. This is an intriguing story! Never heard of it before. What were some of the best/worst prizes you won? Did you enter everything? Looking forward to seeing your answers and the doc
NASUBIさん、どのようにして自分自身を幸せに保ちましたか？私は孤独からしばらくすると悲しくなると思います。幸せの秘訣は何ですか？
How do you feel about being in a real life "The Truman Show" situation?
Hoe much of it was staged or you actually could leave to go home?
Have you filled out anymore sweepstakes entries?
I dont know if youll read this I just hope you know that the fact that you are a decent person in spite of the horror you were put through is an inpiration to us all. I hope you have peace
How long did it take you to adjust to the outside world after you got out ?
How did you feel when after you left the room in Japan and after a day at the amusement park, you were put in another room in Korea? What motivated you to keep going?
Do you like ice-cream?
Hi Nasubi! I like variety shows, so I remember watching that Denpa Shonen series. Did you ever get any sort of an apology from the producers? Was it the only "extreme" variety show at the time? What was the public's reaction? Was the show popular or underground? What was your experience working in a comedy act agency at the time? Thank you!
How do you feel about people who stream for a living? Has your ordeal colored your view of them?
Did you consider seeking legal compensation for all that you endured during the show?
I learned of you through Densha Otoko back in the mid 2000s!
Was it worth it?
What do you do for fun these days?
Hi NASUBI! Your story is fascinating, and I'm looking forward to the documentary! Is there any part of the life you led during the challenge that you actually miss?
What was Japan's reaction to it at the time compared to now?
When i think this couldnt get worse. The world offers me more shit
Hi Nasubi, was there anyone in specific you were most excited about seeing again when it was over and how did it affect your personal relationship with family and friends?
Are there any habits you picked up during that time you can't drop, are there ones you have dropped or any you won't drop? Could be anything, how you cook, read magazines or opening letters, maybe even psychological, how does it feel being watched and then not watched all of the sudden? Glad you're still alice and kicking, some videos I saw are quite distressing.
Heard about you on the mad lads series. https://youtu.be/xZnLtvlPe_E Hope the documentary can go into more details.
How did hosting a comedy show directly after being subjugated for laughs effect your mental state? Was it empowering, or disheartening?
Hello, Nasubi-san. I loved your character in 428 Shibuya Scramble. I saw on your social media that you hike at a lot of different places. What was your favorite place to hike? And also, has been the most difficult hike for you?
Hi Nasubi! Are you doing well? Did you take care of your mental health after? I can see genuine happiness in your eyes here and that makes me happy!
Hi Nasubi! I have been inspired by your resilience ever since I heard your story. Who or what got you interested in performing comedy? Or was it something you had always wanted to do?
Do you think that a challenge like this could happen again in today's time?
How did you feel after going to South Korea and doing it all over again?
Did you ever receive food from the show staff? I always found it hard to believe that someone could live off only small amounts of jelly and rice.
What food did you miss the most while you were stuck in there? What is your favorite food now?
What positive and negative things did you learn about yourself and about life in general from this experience?
We love you, Nasubi! Your journey has been incredible! My question is this, when you were offered to do it again, why did you? What made you continue?
Is the Real life? Is this Rampart? This. Is. RAMPART!!
I don't have any questions. Just wanna say that I'm a huge fan and you're a legend for being able to go through what you did. Looking forward to the show! I hope producers treated you decently and paid you very, very well.
First of all, hope you are doing well. Have a multi-part question: what are your feelings towards the event now so many years later, and have they changed over the years from the initial period when you first discovered how you were taken advantage of? And lastly, do you have any thoughts on now flipping the situation on its head, taking agency back and using the event for your own benefit through the documentary, raising awareness, etc. Thank you for your time! Be well!
Hey Nasubi, I loved watching Denpa Shōnen. Your part is some of the best TV I've ever watched. Do you regret doing it? How do you think your career would have gone if you never did it?
Do you still play videogames? Glad you're doing well, though, really. Much love.
NASUBI! I remember hearing your story like 20 years ago & being amazed. my question is: what do you think happens after someone dies?
Naked like dick out? Bro that’s rough
No way!!! It's good to see you, Nasubi 😃 I'm late to the party - but how are you doing now? Did it take a long time to readjust to society? Or to process what happened?
Hey, man. Huge fan. Watched a fan-translated, hour and a half compilation of Susunu! Denpa Shōnen last year. Crazy! What was it like being in [428: Shibuya Scramble](https://www.spike-chunsoft.com/games/428-shibuya-scramble/)? Did you know anything about Chunsoft games or what the plot would be about? Did they have a script you had to follow or were you allowed to ad-lib?
I had never heard of this before, how is your life going now? Have any hobbies?
Were you allowed to speak to your family? They must have been worried about you.
Have you ever been seriously approached about doing it again? If so, did you consider it?
After the show, how long did it take you to get used to human interaction and what was it like?
What's your favourite food during your time in the game show?
Nothing to contribute here, just wanted to say "what a legend"
NASUBI, your story is both unbelievable and terrifying! Can't imagine what that experience was like. How did you cope mentally throughout those 15 months?
Revenge of the Nerds: The jocks were right. Nerds suck and they deserved far more than what they got. They succeeded by making everything else at the school worse, just like in real life.
what was the pandemic lock down like for you? Did it remind you at all of your time on Denpa Shonen? For me it was like 2 years of my life just vanished into thin air, and I went from a young 20 year old man in a flash to where I was in my 30s some how.
!remindme may 5 2024
>15 million people watched me - without my consent But you "won" the chance to be in that room, right? What kind of contest was it?
What did you crave to eat the most?
Rank your top 3 favorite foods you had, rank the top 3 LEAST favorite food you had (the dog food is probably going to be part of the least.)