Remember Japanese man, who spent Rs 12 lakh to become a dog, doesn't want to live a dog's life

On July 21st, a video featuring a Japanese man dressed in a lifelike collie costume captured the internet's attention as it went viral. The man, known by the pseudonym "Toco," invested approximately $14,000 in crafting an authentic collie suit, not with the intention of living as a dog, but rather out of his profound affection for animals.

Toco, as he prefers to be known, maintains his anonymity while gaining recognition. He maintains an online presence through his YouTube channel titled "I Want to Be an Animal," where he shares videos of himself wandering the streets of Tokyo in his remarkably realistic collie ensemble.

The clips have garnered substantial attention, accumulating a remarkable 6.8 million views thus far. Despite his earnest intentions, Toco's unconventional choice has met with criticism. Critics argue that the costume is unwieldy, not accurately representative of the breed he seeks to emulate, and seemingly suggestive of a desire to live as a dog. However, Toco vehemently denies these assertions, remaining steadfast in his assertion that his motivation is rooted in a deep fascination with animals and their nature.

In a candid interview with the New York Post, Toco clarified that his desire for animal mimicry is entirely non-sexual, and he expressed his sadness at being misunderstood in this regard. He also revealed that his family supports his chosen lifestyle, expressing his happiness over their acceptance.

The intricate collie costume Toco wears was meticulously crafted by Zeppet, a renowned company recognized for producing costumes for television programs and commercials. The creation process, as disclosed by the suit's designer, spanned around 40 days, transforming Toco's dream into tangible reality.

Toco's YouTube channel has now attracted over 52,000 subscribers who eagerly follow his journey. The videos feature Toco engaging in dog-like behaviors such as being inside a cage, enjoying dog treats, and sipping on soda. The overwhelming response from viewers took him by surprise, as he admitted he hadn't anticipated such a remarkable level of engagement.