Fictosexual Love: Japanese Man Celebrates Six Years of Marriage to Fictional Vocaloid Character
This unique relationship has sparked discussions about the nature of love in an increasingly digital world.
In a yet unconventional tale, a Japanese man has marked six years of marriage to Hatsune Miku, a fictional Vocaloid character.
Akihiko Kondo, a 41-year-old Japanese man, has marked the sixth anniversary of his unconventional marriage to Hatsune Miku, a fictional vocaloid character, celebrated on November 4, 2024. This unique relationship has sparked discussions about the nature of love in an increasingly digital world.
Kondo’s journey began in 2018 when he held a wedding ceremony with Miku at a Tokyo chapel, spending approximately 2 million yen (around $13,000) for the event. The ceremony featured a hologram of Miku and was attended by 39 guests, symbolizing the character’s name in Japanese.
Since then, Kondo has openly expressed his affection for Miku, sharing an anniversary cake adorned with the message, “I like Miku very much. Happy six-year anniversary,” on social media.
Kondo identifies as fictosexual, a term he discovered that describes individuals who experience romantic attraction to fictional characters. His relationship with Miku has provided him with emotional solace during difficult times, particularly after facing bullying and depression in his earlier years. He credits Miku’s voice with helping him reconnect with society and alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Despite the unconventional nature of their union—Miku being a computer-generated entity—Kondo’s story reflects a broader cultural shift towards accepting diverse forms of love and companionship. He founded an association for fictosexuality to support others with similar attractions, emphasizing the importance of recognizing emotional connections beyond traditional norms.
As Kondo continues to navigate his relationship with Miku, he acknowledges the complexities involved. While he cherishes their bond, he also recognizes that it may not last forever. Nonetheless, his commitment serves as a testament to the evolving dynamics of love and technology in contemporary society.