A person who invested a significant $23,000 in a massive wolf costume expresses that when donning the outfit, they experience a sensation of being “no longer human.”
Following a demanding workweek, Japanese engineer Toru Ueda opts for a distinctive method of relaxation. Rather than going out for a drink at a nearby bar, Ueda prefers to stay at home and amuse himself while adorned in a colossal wolf costume, valued at an astonishing 3 million yen, equivalent to $23,000 USD.
In an interview with the Times, the 32-year-old Tokyo resident disclosed last year that his captivation with animals is rooted in his longing to liberate himself from the pressures of human existence. Ueda admitted, “When I wear my costume, I feel I’m no longer human. I’m free from human relationships. All sorts of troubles, whether work-related or otherwise — I can simply forget about them.”
Ueda’s remarkable wolf suit was meticulously crafted by Zeppet, a renowned company known for designing costumes for both TV and movie productions. Their portfolio spans from crafting monstrous creatures and robots for science fiction and horror films to creating charming animal suits for children’s shows.
His particular design demanded meticulous attention to detail; reportedly, he engaged in more than 40 email exchanges with the team and had three face-to-face meetings to deliberate on the intricate aspects of his dream suit. These discussions included specifics such as the coat pattern and fur texture.
Ueda went on to express, “Due to my lifelong love for animals and the influence of realistic animal suits I saw on TV, I harbored a dream of becoming one someday. During the final fitting, seeing my transformed self in the mirror was truly astonishing. It marked the realization of a lifelong dream.”
He added: “My order to ‘look like a real wolf walking on hind legs’ was difficult – to say the least – but the complete suit looked exactly like what I imagined.
“The specifications not only perfectly aligned with all my preferences, but the inclusion of a ventilation slit for wearer comfort and the incorporation of devices allowing independent donning demonstrated the designers’ meticulous consideration for the wearer’s comfort.”
Zeppet, renowned for their remarkably realistic suits, garnered attention in 2022 with their life-sized border collie suit, priced at $15,400.
Another Japanese man named Toco gained widespread attention after sharing daily content showcasing his “paw-fect” lifestyle, involving activities such as learning how to eat, walk, and play like a dog.
In addition to these larger creations, the company also manufactures remarkably precise replicas of people’s pets. The pricing is contingent on the pet’s size, with a Chihuahua replica, for example, priced at around $2,300, while a larger Great Dane replica would be closer to $3,500.
Cosplay is a widely embraced pastime in Japan, but Ueda follows his own unique path. Despite its popularity, none of his friends participate in dressing up, and he typically avoids wearing his furry ensemble to cosplay gatherings.
Ueda discovers a sense of empowerment in his costume, expressing, “When I look in the mirror, I see a wolf, and that is very moving. I’m not a werewolf — that’s a kind of monster, and I am not a monster.”
