In a quiet corner of Japan, one man has taken the phrase “living your dream” to an entirely new level. Known online only as Toko, this dog enthusiast spent over €14,000 on a custom-made Collie costume—all to fulfil a lifelong dream of becoming, quite literally, a dog.

Yes, a dog. Not metaphorically. Not for a fancy dress party. A full-bodied, four-legged transformation into a shaggy-coated pup. And the result? Surprisingly touching, incredibly realistic, and the internet can’t stop watching.

A costume that wags more than just tails

Toko’s canine debut hit YouTube in April 2022, and it didn’t take long for his videos to go viral. In them, he’s seen rolling on the ground, lying belly-up, and mimicking dog behaviours with surprising authenticity—all while wearing an unbelievably lifelike costume designed to mirror a long-haired Collie.

“I wanted to be an animal, so I became a Collie,” he states simply in the description of his channel.

The suit, crafted by Zeppet, a Japanese company renowned for its cinematic costume work, took 40 days to complete. The challenge? Replicating the fine details of the dog’s long, flowing fur while maintaining a realistic structure. Designers studied hundreds of images and even delved into canine anatomy to ensure every hair and joint aligned with the real thing.

Why a Collie?

Toko’s choice of breed wasn’t random. Collies, he explained, appealed to him not just for their beauty, but for practical reasons too. The breed’s thick fur helps obscure the human body beneath, giving the illusion of a true four-legged animal.

“My favourite animals are quadrupeds, especially the cute ones,” he shared in an interview. “The long coat of a Collie hides the human shape really well, which was important for the look I wanted.”

It’s a meticulous attention to detail that’s helped his videos rack up over 1.7 million views, with reactions ranging from astonishment to admiration.

Not just for show: taking paws to the pavement

What started as an online curiosity has since become something more personal—and social. In a recent twist, Toko took to the streets, leash in paw, as a friend walked him around in full costume. The goal? To meet other dogs and potentially make new furry friends.

This wasn’t just a publicity stunt. For Toko, it’s part of a deeper journey. He’s openly shared that his next dream is to find a like-minded partner, someone who shares his passion and perhaps even a fondness for four legs.

A walk on the wild (and woolly) side

Toko’s transformation might raise eyebrows, but at its heart is something many can relate to: the desire to escape the ordinary and live life on one’s own terms. Whether it’s cosplay, art, or simply unconventional self-expression, this story reminds us that identity and imagination often walk side by side.

After all, in a world that often expects us to conform, becoming a Collie might just be the most authentic act of all.