There is no question that personal freedom is sacred. However, sometimes the lengths to which individuals go in pursuit of their “dreams” is shocking.
Such is the case with a Japanese man known only as Toco, who has shelled out approximately $15,000 to realize his lifelong aspiration of “becoming an animal”— more specifically, a dog.
Embracing a journey many would consider bizarre at least, Toco has been documenting his transformation into a ‘human dog’ on his YouTube channel, “I want to be an animal” which has nearly 30,000 subscribers regularly tune in.
Taco’s followers have witnessed him in his backyard, impersonating a canine’s behavior by playing on all fours and executing tricks in return for treats.
Taking a bold step, Toco recently ventured into the public realm for the first time, parading around in a hyperrealistic collie costume.
A pair of videos posted on his YouTube channel chronicles this fascinating spectacle, showing Toco walking on a leash, sniffing other dogs, and even rolling around on the ground.
Although Toco’s grand unveiling, filmed during a segment for a German TV station, drew curiosity from both humans and dogs alike, it’s hard to say whether they fully comprehended his canine impersonation.
In a translated note on his YouTube channel, Toco shares his unconventional goal, stating, “Nice to meet you. I became a rough (sic) collie because I wanted to be an animal.”
Fearing judgement, Toco has chosen to conceal his identity and unique hobby from his acquaintances.
In an interview with the Daily Mail last year, he revealed, “I don’t want my hobbies to be known, especially by the people I work with,” adding, “They think it’s weird that I want to be a dog. For the same reason why I can’t show my real face.”
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Even his friends and family were taken aback by Toco’s transformation. He admitted in a separate interview with the Mirror, “I rarely tell my friends because I am afraid they will think I am weird. My friends and family seemed very surprised to learn I became an animal.”
Toco’s first outdoor ‘walk’, filmed in his backyard prior to his public outing, saw him grappling with nervousness.
He confessed in the video, “Do you remember your dreams from when you are little? You want to be a hero or a wizard. I remember writing in my grade school graduation book that I wanted to be a dog and walk outside.”
Bringing Toco’s peculiar dream to life was Japanese company Zeppet. Known for crafting costumes for TV commercials and films, they spent 40 days constructing Toco’s $22,000 lifelike collie suit.
A company representative described the costume as one that “reproduces the appearance of a real dog walking on four legs.”
While everyone is entitled to pursue their personal dreams, it’s safe to say Toco’s unusual journey to canine mimicry takes ‘marching to the beat of your own drum’ to a whole new level.
