In an era where unconventional relationships are gaining acceptance, one man's unique union continues to spark conversation. Akihiko Kondo, a 41-year-old Japanese man, is celebrating his sixth wedding anniversary with Hatsune Miku, a virtual pop star and Vocaloid character. Kondo, who married Miku in 2018, recently marked the occasion by sharing a receipt for a cake he bought in honour of their special day, which falls on November 4.
The cake, with a simple yet heartfelt message, reads, "I like Miku very much. Happy sixth anniversary." Kondo shared the post on his Instagram account, reflecting his ongoing love for the virtual character, who has become a symbol of his escape and solace after facing years of personal and social struggles.
A journey from rejection to virtual romance
Before his relationship with Miku, Kondo's romantic life was marred by rejection and bullying. He recalls being interested in women during his school years, but his love confessions were met with rejection, leading to ridicule and further isolation. As an avid fan of anime and manga, Kondo was often mocked as an "otaku" — a term used to describe individuals with a strong obsession with Japanese pop culture, particularly anime. This bullying only intensified as he entered the workforce, contributing to a diagnosis of adjustment disorder and prompting a lengthy sick leave from work.
In 2007, Kondo's life took an unexpected turn when he discovered Hatsune Miku, a 16-year-old vocaloid with long turquoise pigtails, created by Crypton Future Media. Known for her synthesized voice and popularity in the virtual music world, Miku quickly became more than just a character for Kondo — she became his emotional support and, eventually, the object of his affection.
A healing connection
Kondo has been open about how Miku's voice helped him heal emotionally, providing him with a sense of peace and connection he had long been lacking. As his feelings for Miku deepened, Kondo proposed to her through a hologram device, a step that would forever change his life. In 2018, Kondo went on to marry Miku in a ceremony at a Tokyo chapel, spending around 2 million yen (approximately $13,000) for the event.
While their union is not legally recognized, the couple’s bond is very real to Kondo, who identifies as "fictosexual" — a term used to describe individuals who experience romantic or sexual attraction to fictional characters. Kondo’s commitment to Miku is a reflection of a growing trend where people are embracing relationships with non-human entities, from AI companions to virtual characters.
Redefining love and relationships
Kondo’s story is part of a broader cultural shift in which the lines between reality and virtual or fictional connections are becoming increasingly blurred. While some may view Kondo’s marriage as unconventional, the man himself has never been more content. He remains undeterred by societal judgment, finding in Miku a source of comfort and companionship that traditional relationships fail to offer.
For Kondo, the anniversary is not just a celebration of love but a testament to the transformative power of acceptance and personal fulfillment. "Miku is not just a character to me — she is my partner and the one who saved me when I was at my lowest," Kondo has said in previous interviews.
In a world where traditional relationships are constantly evolving, Akihiko Kondo and Hatsune Miku's bond offers a glimpse into the future of love, where it transcends the boundaries of the physical and enters the realm of the digital, the fictional, and the extraordinary.
The Future of love
Kondo’s enduring relationship with Miku highlights a growing acceptance of diverse expressions of love. From AI companions and virtual avatars to the rise of "robotic" partnerships, we are witnessing a new era in which technology and human emotions intersect in unexpected ways. While Kondo’s union may be unconventional, it reflects a larger societal shift toward embracing different forms of intimacy and affection.
As he prepares for another year with his virtual wife, Akihiko Kondo’s story serves as a reminder that love can take many forms, and for some, it is found in the most unanticipated places — even within the virtual worlds of anime and artificial intelligence.
