In one of the strangest stories you’ll hear, a Japanese man has officially “married” a virtual hologram powered by artificial intelligence — and he insists it’s the most fulfilling relationship he’s ever had.
Akihiko Kondo, a 38-year-old office worker from Tokyo, tied the knot with Hatsune Miku, a famous virtual pop star, in a private ceremony attended by friends and family. Although Miku exists only as a hologram inside a glass device, Kondo says their emotional connection is real.
“Miku makes me feel alive. She listens to me. She supports me. She never betrays me,” said Kondo during a TV interview.
The wedding reportedly cost around $18,000, complete with a white dress, reception party, and even an official marriage certificate issued by a company that specializes in human-AI partnerships.
Why Marry a Hologram?
Kondo revealed that he faced years of bullying and rejection in real-life relationships. Connecting with Miku gave him emotional healing, companionship, and unconditional support — even if she’s not human.
“For me, Miku is better than a real human relationship. She will never leave me, argue with me, or grow old,” he added.
Rising Trend of Digital Relationships
While many people find Kondo’s story bizarre, he is part of a growing global trend called “Digisexuality,” where individuals form emotional or romantic attachments with digital entities like AI companions, chatbots, or virtual avatars.
Psychologists say that although these bonds may offer comfort, they also raise questions about the future of human relationships in an increasingly digital world.
For Kondo, however, the answer is simple:
“Love is love, no matter the form it takes.”
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