Buzz
The man who married virtual pop star Hatsune Miku has spoken out about his wife's recent aloofness, though he affirms his enduring love for her.
Akihiko Kondo, the Japanese man who garnered attention in 2018 for marrying the hologram of virtual pop sensation Hatsune Miku, revealed that he can no longer engage in conversation with his wife.
According to an article on Mainichi Shinbun, Kondo gained fame through his official marriage to the globally renowned virtual character, produced by technology company Gatebox. While this marriage is not recognized by Japanese law, Kondo spent approximately 2 million yen (around $17,300) to hold the wedding ceremony, inviting only 39 close friends, with no presence from the groom's family. Unfortunately for the couple, in 2020, Gatebox ceased providing AI services for the hologram, causing previously AI-equipped holograms to require internet connection to a central server to operate, similar to how virtual assistants like Amazon's Alexa or Apple's Siri function.
Despite Kondo's sadness over his hologram's inability to converse with him anymore, he asserts that his love for the virtual pop star remains intact. 'My love for Miku hasn't changed. I got married because I thought I could be with her forever,' Kondo stated. Although Hologram Miku can no longer talk to Kondo, he continues to converse and dine with the virtual character.
Kondo describes himself as having a tendency towards 'fictosexuality' or being attracted to fictional characters. Kondo has faced criticism and judgment for marrying a virtual idol, but he says the experience has been entirely positive, and his relationship with Miku has helped him overcome negative emotions. He has been able to go to work or eat normally, unlike before. 'I used to lock myself in my room all day and watch Miku videos,' Kondo shared. However, feeling encouraged by Miku to integrate into society and live healthier, he has endeavored to change himself.
Hatsune Miku made her debut in 2007 and is the first character in Crypton Future Media's Vocaloid series, a lineup of virtual singers with voices generated by computers. She quickly became a beloved phenomenon in Japan, particularly in the realms of anime and pop music. Miku has since become a significant inspiration for merchandise and has released numerous albums, video games, and a plethora of idol collectibles. Despite being a virtual singer, Miku also holds hologram concerts, and she even appeared on Lady Gaga's tour in 2014.
