In a fascinating tale of unconventional self-expression, a Japanese man, known as Toco, has turned his dream of “becoming an animal” into a reality by transforming himself into a canine with the help of a custom-made collie costume. The hyperrealistic costume, crafted by Zeppet over a period of 40 days, has cost him a whopping $14,000, but it has allowed him to embark on an extraordinary journey.
Toco, who enjoys a substantial following of over 32,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, documented his unique venture into the world of dog transformation. He frolics on a lawn, rolls on the floor, and plays fetch, exhibiting his newfound identity as a collie. Recently, he took his boldest step yet, venturing out for the first time in public as a dog. The viral video of his doggy debut garnered immense attention, racking up an impressive 1.7 million views.
Reflecting on his childhood dreams, Toco shared his longstanding desire to “become an animal,” a wish he nurtured since he was young. As he transformed into a collie, he expressed that the experience felt like fulfilling a seemingly “unrealistic” life-dog dream. He chose the collie breed due to its close resemblance to human size, facilitating his transformation even further.
The Japanese company Zeppet, responsible for creating the remarkable costume, described it as a reproduction of a real dog walking on four legs. The costume’s uncanny realism adds an intriguing dimension to Toco’s public appearances.
Despite gaining online fame and recognition, Toco remains discreet about his unique hobby, keeping it hidden from most of his friends and family. Fearing judgment and misunderstanding, he rarely shares this aspect of his life with those close to him, including colleagues at work.
Toco’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that self-expression comes in diverse and unexpected forms. For him, the collie costume has allowed him to actualize a cherished dream and connect with a profound aspect of himself. As he continues to explore his identity as a collie, Toco’s story sparks curiosity and admiration for the diverse ways individuals find fulfillment in their lives.
