Man Transforms into a Perfect Dog for 22 Million Won.. Reasons for Concern Arise [Health Talk]

[Financial News] A Japanese man who walks on all fours and rolls over showing his belly, looking like a real dog, is becoming a hot topic.

According to foreign media such as the British daily Mirror on the 26th, Toko (pseudonym), who lives in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, spent 22 million won to create a costume that makes him look like a dog to fulfill his childhood dream of 'wanting to become a dog'.

Toko commissioned the large dog 'Border Collie suit' from Zeppet, a company specializing in movie and advertising props. This full-body costume precisely implements the skeletal structure of a dog, the flow of fur, and even the function of the jaw opening and closing. It is also designed to withstand the movements of the person wearing it, with joint resistance and weight distribution structures applied. It weighs 4 kg.

Toko has revealed his dog-like behavior through his YouTube channel and currently has over 73,000 subscribers.

In the video, he is seen wearing a leash, crawling on all fours for a walk, eating dog treats, and catching frisbees. He also rolls on the ground in the park or raises his front paw to greet passersby.

In an interview with the Japanese media Mynavi, he explained the reason for choosing the Border Collie, saying, “Among animals that walk on all fours, a large and cute dog was the ideal model.”

In January of this year, Toko established an experiential space called 'Tokotoko Zoo'. This place offers dog costumes, including an Alaskan Malamute (a sled dog from Alaska) outfit, and the experience fee for one session (180 minutes) is 60,000 yen (approximately 570,000 won) for two people.

Although it faced closure due to initial reservation sluggishness, according to the website notice, it is scheduled to reopen after July.

He emphasized, "At Tokotoko Zoo, you can have an experience that transcends the boundaries of your existence, not just a simple costume experience."



However, voices of concern about Toko's health are also emerging from the medical community. Japanese rehabilitation medicine specialists warn that "the enclosed full-body suit is vulnerable to temperature regulation, and maintaining an abnormal posture for a long time can strain the spine and joints."

There is a particular concern that using joints such as elbows and knees as weight-bearing areas for a long time can pose a risk of cartilage damage.

Animal-shaped fursuits are very hot and humid inside, posing a risk of bacterial infection. Additionally, sweat, oils, and dead skin cells remain in the suit, turning it into an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria and mold.

If shared by multiple people without proper disinfection, it can cause dermatitis, respiratory diseases, etc. The most common bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus. Although Staphylococcus aureus is a widely present bacterium, it can cause various diseases such as dermatitis, food poisoning, and pneumonia if infected. If there are wounds or skin irritations, it can be transmitted through contact, so thorough disinfection is essential.

Excessive sweating while wearing it can lead to dehydration or difficulty breathing. In such cases, the suit should be removed immediately, and hydration and cooling should be performed.

moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter