A person who shot to worldwide fame for turning himself into a dog has opened up about his eager for companionship.
The dedicated cosplayer, who’s identified solely by his canine title Toco, spent some £11,000 (2 million yen) on a hyperrealistic, custom-made costume to assist him reside his childhood dream of “becoming an animal”.
The Japanese native started his transformation two years in the past when he tasked the corporate Zeppet – which usually makes costumes for movies – with making the full-sized collie go well with.
The course of took weeks to finish and resulted in a jaw-dropping creation weighing round 4kg.
“Toco” spent a yr sporting his furry disguise in personal – getting used to walking round on all fours and attending to grips along with his new persona.
Then, earlier this summer season, he took the plunge and wore it out in public, propelling him to web stardom.
His endeavour, and the expense it entailed, could seem bewildering to most of us, however the man-cum-man’s-best-friend hopes others will comply with go well with.
Indeed, Toco admitted in an interview with the New York Post, printed on Tuesday, that he yearned to search out puppy love.
Asked in regards to the prospect of romance between two folks dressed up as dogs, he informed the information website: “I think it would be great if something like this existed.
“I would like to meet [a woman like this].”
One psychologist previously toldThe Post that Toco is a “therian”, that means somebody who identifies with a nonhuman species, versus a “furry – referring to a subculture whose members enjoy occasional cosplay in an animal costume.
Toco interacts with an admirer on the streets of TokyoEPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
In a previous interview with Spanish news agency EFE, he admitted that he’s received a very mixed response to his unorthodox hobby, thanks to his YouTube and TikTok channels which have amassed millions of views between them.
“I receive all kinds of messages,” he mentioned. “Alongside the positive messages, some [people] tell me they want to do the same thing, which has made me realise that there are others like me.
He did, however, admit that he had been subjected to less positive feedback, with other commentators telling him he was sick and had wasted his money.
And whilst his family and closest friends know about his canine alter-ego, he has chosen to keep his human identity secret for fear of harassment.
Still, none of the negativity has put him off, and he hasn’t ruled out the idea of getting other dog suits made in the future.
He told EFE that although the collie is his favourite dog breed, he also loves a number of others, including the Alaskan malamute, the Siberian husky and the golden retriever – all of which, given their relatively large size, should be pretty easy for him to emulate.
He also likes cats, foxes and other animals which would present a whole new challenge.
He acknowledged that many people find his behaviour strange, but said that won’t stop him from living his dream EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON
In his interview with The Post, Toco admitted that spending much of his day on all fours was often draining, but he stressed it was worth the pain for the sense of fulfilment it brings him.
“Rather than being tough or physically uncomfortable, the feelings of excitement and fun I receive from this experience are stronger,” he mentioned.
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