What would you do to realize a childhood dream? For one Japanese man, the answer was clear: spend over €14,000, slip into a bespoke collie costume, and trot into the streets to finally live as a dog—at least for a few YouTube videos. Meet « Toco, » the man who went to extraordinary (and fluffy) lengths to chase a very personal, very canine fantasy.
From Daydream to Dog Suit: Toco’s Unlikely Journey
Toco isn’t just a name; it’s the only identity the world knows for this mysterious individual. On Twitter and on his dedicated YouTube channel—whose rather direct title translates as « I want to be an animal »—Toco shares his four-legged adventures with thousands of curious viewers. But why, you ask? He put it succinctly in his video descriptions: « My name is Toco, I wanted to be an animal and I became a collie. » This dream? It’s been wagging its tail in his imagination since childhood.
The ambition first appeared in his primary school’s graduation book, where young Toco wrote that he wished to become a dog and go for walks outside. Time passed, but the desire never left him. Finally, as an adult, he decided to make it happen—not just with a dog costume from a discount store, but with a high-end custom creation formed to embody, as closely as possible, the real deal.
The Art (and Price) of Becoming a Collie
This was no mere party trick: Toco’s transformation was a work of art. The process took forty days to complete and cost a hefty 2 million yen (more than €12,700—now that’s what you call « puppy love » for your dream). The result? A stunningly realistic collie suit created by the Japanese company Zeppet, which typically crafts costumes for television productions.
According to a spokesperson for Zeppet, the suit was modeled on a real collie and reproduces the appearance of a dog walking on all fours. Toco specifically chose the breed due to the negligible difference in size between the dog and a human—practicality, even when living the ruff life!
Going Walkies (and Viral)
The big moment came when Toco donned the suit and went outside for the very first time, camera rolling. The resulting YouTube video exploded, drawing more than 3.8 million views in just ten days. In it, viewers follow Toco as he meets both dogs and humans on the street; the dogs, ever savvy, seemed cautious—sniffing around, not entirely fooled by the new « pup » among them. The sight of a man-dog causing confusion among pets and bewilderment among passers-by became an instant sensation.
Toco’s YouTube channel soon drew in over 38,000 subscribers, each eager to witness his canine-capades. Whether you see it as performance art, cosplay, or an unusually creative outlet for self-expression, it’s clear that Toco’s story resonates with millions—whether out of curiosity, amusement, or a smidge of envy at his dedication to following his heart (even if it’s now covered in faux fur).
Dreams and Doubts: Toco’s Private World
For all the public attention, Toco’s real life remains strictly confidential. He insists on hiding his real identity, explaining in interviews:
- He does not want his coworkers to know about his unconventional hobby.
- He believes people find it strange to want to be a dog—hence, no face reveals.
- He rarely discusses it with friends, fearing their judgment.
- When his family and close friends learned about his transformation, their main reaction was surprise.
This balance between going viral and maintaining personal privacy highlights the courage and vulnerability required to put a unique passion on display. Yet, as Toco notes, this chance to realize a long-held dream—to become a dog and walk outdoors—brought him genuine joy.
So, if you’re ever feeling hesitant about following a slightly unorthodox dream, just remember: someone out there is living their childhood wish, one paw at a time. Whether your aspiration is to perform, paint, or prance about as a particularly well-groomed collie, take a page from Toco—sometimes the most fulfilling adventures happen when you let your inner self off the leash.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
