Hana Kimura's apparent suicide casts Terrace House’s mocking commentary in a different light

The Muse

The 22-year-old Japanese wrestler and Terrace House star's death, apparently from suicide, has prompted Japan to consider enacting a law that would regulate cyberbullying. But her death also raises concerns over Terrace House's commentators who actively mock the participants. "Terrace House can’t shoulder the blame for Kimura’s death, but the tragedy calls into question the ethics of the show’s baked in commentary directed at its young, fumbling stars," says Hazel Cills, adding: "Appearing on reality television is a gamble in terms of the extent of your portrayal. The genre always comments on its stars, but usually covertly through selective editing; anyone can be a villain or a hero with the right manipulation. Viewers may think they’re forming their own opinions about contestants without realizing the show is guiding them to those opinions strategically. But there’s nothing subtle about Terrace House’s commentators, who offer responses to the show’s scenes like any rando on Twitter, except as a legitimate part of the program. They don’t always agree either, but when they do in condemnation of a certain member, it’s as if Terrace House the show has voiced a stance on its own star."