A Japanese man, known only as Toco, has spent over $14,000 to realize his childhood dream of becoming an animal. Toco commissioned a custom-made collie costume, which he uses to embody his canine alter ego.
Toco’s transformation into a dog has been documented on his YouTube channel, which has amassed over 32,000 subscribers. Videos show him engaging in typical dog behavior, such as playing fetch and rolling on the floor, all while donned in his realistic collie costume. One video, which has garnered 1.7 million views, captures Toco’s first public outing as a dog, walking down a busy street to the astonishment of onlookers.
The costume, a product of 40 days of work by the company Zeppet, cost 2 million Yen (approximately USD $14,161). It was designed to mimic the appearance of a real collie walking on all fours, with Toco adding a harness to complete the look. Despite his enthusiasm for his new persona, Toco admitted to feeling nervous and scared about venturing out in public as a dog.
Toco’s desire to become an animal dates back to his childhood. In a video posted last year, he revealed that he had always harbored a vague dream of becoming an animal. He chose to become a collie due to the minimal size difference between the breed and humans.
Despite his online popularity, Toco keeps his unusual hobby a secret from most of his friends and family. He expressed fear that they might find his behavior strange. He also keeps his colleagues in the dark about his canine escapades, preferring to keep his work and personal life separate.
Toco’s transformation into a dog is more than just a hobby; it’s a fulfillment of a childhood dream. While it may seem strange to some, it’s a testament to the lengths some will go to realize their dreams, no matter how unconventional they may be.