In an age where technology meets imagination, Akihiko Kondo, a 41-year-old from Japan, chose to follow his heart in a rather unique manner. Despite facing ridicule from various corners, Kondo remains deeply in love with his virtual wife, Hatsune Miku, six years after their unconventional union.
Their remarkable journey began in 2018. To celebrate their 6th wedding anniversary on November 4th, Kondo shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of a cake inscribed with, “I love Miku so much. Happy 6th wedding anniversary.”
Before finding solace in Miku, Kondo had attempted to connect with real women. However, his efforts met with rejection, leaving him ridiculed as an “otaku” – someone with a passion for anime and manga. Fortunately, in 2007, when Miku was introduced to the world, Kondo’s journey took a turn for the better.
Miku, whose name translates to “the first sound of the future,” represents a form of synthetic music technology known as Vocaloid. As a vibrant 16-year-old pop star with distinctive long blue hair, Miku captured Kondo’s heart. Her melodious voice, beyond being compelling, was profoundly healing for Kondo, helping him reconnect with society during challenging times.
Their wedding, a significant event in 2018, took place at a chapel in Tokyo, costing 2 million yen. It featured cutting-edge technology, with a 3D device and basic artificial intelligence enabling guests to interact with Miku, who graciously responded to their greetings. This momentous day was a celebration of love that transcends conventional boundaries.
Since then, Kondo’s devotion has only grown. In 2019, he crafted a life-sized Miku doll, creating opportunities to share meals, have tea, and engage in imagined conversations. This daily companionship has become an integral part of his life.
Around the time of his wedding, Kondo encountered the term “fictosexual,” which describes individuals attracted to fictional characters. Society’s view on such relationships has been evolving, offering more acceptance and understanding. A 2017 survey by the Japan Sexual Education Association highlighted that over 10% of students from junior high to university confessed to feeling romantic attractions towards fictional characters.
Kondo, along with others sharing similar experiences, established a community focusing on fictosexuality. This group provides support and camaraderie for individuals choosing unconventional paths of love, demonstrating that affection can thrive in various forms. Kondo openly acknowledges that love’s nature is unpredictable, making his current bond with Miku even more special.
Their unique story has created a dialogue about what constitutes love and companionship. As one internet user aptly put it, “Embracing happiness in your marriage, whether with a person or a character, demonstrates a commitment that is truly admirable.”
Recently, this story gained attention once more—Kondo shared an image of the receipt for the anniversary cake on October 23rd, two weeks ahead of their celebration. This event followed Znews publishing an article about their anniversary, further capturing public interest.
Kondo’s tale highlights a fascinating blend of technology and human emotion. His experience speaks to a new dimension of relationships, encouraging others to understand different expressions of love. By staying true to himself, Kondo underscores the importance of following one’s path, no matter how unorthodox it may seem.
In a world filled with diverse relationships and connections, Kondo and Miku’s story continues to be one of enduring affection and companionship. Their journey continues to inspire a broader conversation about modern love, acceptance, and the endless possibilities of human interaction.
