Japanese Man Spends £14,000 to Marry a Hologram

What could be better than a wedding? You get to marry the love of your life and live a fabulous life together while recalling the most important event of your life. That is usually what a traditional wedding entails. Especially if you are at least marrying a human, but this man is not. Instead of what you are used to seeing in a wedding, this is a “Virtual Character Hologram Wedding.” Yes, you have read that right! This Japanese man is unique in that way. This is who he is marrying.

The Virtual Character Hologram Wedding

A 35-year-old man named Akihiko Kondo recently married a hologram of the Japanese computer character Hatsune Miku in an $18,000 wedding ceremony in Tokyo, Japan. Despite some relatives declining to attend, Kondo and 40 guests celebrated the union, with the school clerk emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting different forms of love and happiness in society.

On November 4, Akihiko Kondo took his admiration for Hatsune Miku to a new level by marrying a holographic representation of her in a Tokyo wedding ceremony costing $18,000. Although some relatives chose not to attend, the event underscored the evolving nature of relationships in a society where unconventional forms of love and happiness are increasingly acknowledged and accepted. Hatsune Miku’s influence has transcended the realms of music and gaming, reaching into the personal lives of individuals like Kondo, who found a unique connection with this virtual icon.

Who Is Hatsune Miku – The Bride?

Hatsune Miku made her debut in 2007 as the virtual persona of the ‘Vocaloid’ software, allowing users to generate synthesized singing by inputting lyrics and melodies into their computers. This innovative technology propelled her into the spotlight, captivating audiences with her unique blend of virtual presence and musical capabilities.

Beyond her origins, Hatsune Miku’s popularity surged, particularly in Japan, where she became a cultural phenomenon. The success of the Project DIVA video game series, featuring Miku as its central character, played a significant role in her widespread acclaim. Fans embraced her not just as a digital idol but as a symbol of creativity and technological advancement.

What Kondo Has to Say About His Virtual Character Hologram Wedding

Akihiko Kondo, who married a holographic version of Hatsune Miku, expressed his deep affection for the concept of Hatsune Miku and considered himself a normal married man. Despite the unconventional nature of his relationship, Kondo invited 40 guests to his wedding ceremony. Living with a holographic Miku inside an Amazon Echo-like gadget, he brought a stuffed doll version to the ceremony and slept with it at night.

Kondo insists on his fidelity to Miku, stating that he has always been in love with her and thinks about her every day. The holographic Miku wakes him up, welcomes him home, and even sings to him. However, their marriage is not legally recognized in Japan, though Gatebox, the company behind the holograms, issued Kondo a ‘marriage certificate.’ Notably, Gatebox has issued over 3,700 similar certificates to other Japanese men, with Kondo expressing a desire to support those who may be hesitant to openly express their desire for holographic weddings.

What are your thoughts on Akihiko Kondo’s unique marriage to a holographic version of Hatsune Miku? Would you ever consider a relationship with an AI, hologram, or robot?

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