In Tokyo, a man has splurged over $14,000 on a lifelike collie costume, making headlines as he took his inaugural stroll in public.
Though he isn’t rescuing anyone like Lassie, his uncanny resemblance to the iconic dog is jaw-dropping.
The Tokyo-based YouTuber, Toco, shelled out a considerable amount to get a custom-made collie suit. In a recent upload dated July 21 – though he revealed it was filmed last year during an interview with German TV station RTL – Toco displays an array of dog-like antics such as rolling over. Yet, he doesn’t forgo his human traits and is seen greeting bystanders with a wave.
Real dogs, on the other hand, seem bewildered. The video captures genuine canine encounters with Toco, many of which end with the dogs swiftly retreating.
The comments section of the YouTube video is a mixed bag, with many users struggling to process the spectacle. One exclaimed, “This is the most bizarre and insane thing I’ve ever seen,” while another complimented, “The costume craftsmanship is top-notch. The facial details are impeccable.”
Back in April 2022, Toco hinted at his unusual aspiration. Taking to Twitter, he announced, “I ordered a costume! Grateful to all who helped me realize my dream of embodying an animal.”
This dream isn’t a recent one. He confided to The Daily Mail about his childhood aspirations, “There was always this longing to metamorphose. Ever since I can recall, I’ve had it.” Drawing parallels with common childhood dreams, he said, “Remember those childhood fantasies of being a superhero or a magician? In my elementary school yearbook, I once wrote about wanting to live as a dog.”
However, not everyone around him understands or appreciates his passion. He confessed, “I’ve hidden this side of me, especially from colleagues. Many find my canine aspirations odd, so I keep my real identity under wraps.”
Only a handful of people in Toco’s life are privy to this unique hobby. “I seldom share this with friends for fear of judgment,” he said. “Discovering my animal alter ego took many by surprise.”
On choosing the collie form, Toco mentioned wanting an animal of comparable size for realism. He noted that exaggerated motions might disrupt the illusion while the suit allows movement.
Achieving this level of realism was no walk in the park. Zeppet, the company behind the creation, mentioned the suit took over a month to craft.
Zeppet’s official statement reads, “Following a client’s request, we fashioned a dog suit. Inspired by the collie, our creation mirrors the genuine look of a four-legged canine.”
The line between fantasy and reality often blurs but for Toco, living his dream as a collie embodies passion, craftsmanship, and sheer determination. In a world that often prioritizes conformity, Toco’s journey serves as a reminder that embracing one’s unique dreams, however unconventional they seem, can lead to unforgettable experiences and stories.
