Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – A man in Tokyo, Japan, who dreamed of becoming a dog since childhood, finally realized his dream in 2022 after spending 2 million yen (approximately RM57,000) to commission a lifelike sheepdog costume. He has now opened a zoo, providing a safe space for like-minded enthusiasts to "transform" into dogs, but at a hefty price. Schedules for February are already fully booked.
According to Japanese media reports, this man, using the pseudonym Toco, dreamed of becoming an animal since childhood. "I wrote in my elementary school yearbook that I wanted to be a dog and walk outside," he said, causing a sensation online and attracting 72,000 YouTube subscribers.
After his dream came true in 2022, he frequently shares videos on YouTube of himself being taken for "dog walks" or his daily life. Last year, he commissioned an Alaskan Malamute costume that can even open its mouth and wag its tail, further enhancing its realism.
Now, he has opened a zoo called TocoTocoZoo, which officially opened in Tokyo, Japan on January 26th, inviting everyone who dreams of "transforming into an animal" to join.
His official website states, "Have you ever wanted to be an animal? Have you ever felt excited imagining yourself as something else? We offer a service that can help make that wish come true, even if only for a moment: dressing up in a mascot costume."
Regarding pricing, a 120-minute experience for one person costs 36,000 yen (approximately RM1,042), and a 180-minute experience costs 49,000 yen (approximately RM1,418).
Group tickets for two people cost 30,000 yen per person (approximately RM868), and group tickets for three people cost 20,000 yen per person (approximately RM579).
The ticket price includes detailed information about the costume and arrangements for participants' activities after transforming into an animal, according to their wishes. Customers receive a 10% discount if the costume's mouth cannot be opened.
In addition, customers meeting certain body type requirements can enjoy a trial operation discount: two transformation experiences for only 25,000 yen (approximately RM723).
Currently, the zoo only offers Alaskan Malamute transformation experiences; detailed costume sizes and related information are available on the official website. Customers must book 30 days in advance and will only receive detailed information about the experience location after successful booking.
The zoo only accepts cash payments, but plans to open up more payment methods and add more animal costumes in the future.
Toco also stated that costumes for small animals such as cats or foxes will not be provided because "their size is too small for humans to undergo the transformation experience."
He said that as a child, he hoped for a place where he could become an animal and wanted to help others who share the same dream.
Although Toco is proud of his transformation hobby, he admits he doesn't want to tell his friends, "because I'm afraid they'll think I'm strange."
