In a unique celebration of love and loyalty, Akihiko Kondo, a Japanese man who famously married a fictional anime character in 2018, is preparing to mark his sixth wedding anniversary. Kondo, 40, identifies as a “fictosexual,” a term for individuals who are romantically or sexually attracted to fictional characters. His unusual union with the virtual pop star Hatsune Miku, a popular anime character and virtual singing sensation, initially sparked global fascination and skepticism, with few believing the marriage would endure.

Anniversary celebration and public declaration of love

To commemorate the occasion, Kondo recently posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, sharing a photo of an anniversary cake he had purchased. The cake’s message read, “I like Miku very much. Happy six-year anniversary,” illustrating his enduring affection for his anime bride, whom he describes as having profoundly influenced his life.

Miku, known for her distinct turquoise pigtails, is a virtual pop star generated through Vocaloid software, a type of synthesizer program that creates singing voices. Since her release in 2007, the character has captivated fans worldwide, including Kondo, who says he fell in love with her “instantly.”

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A life changed by Anime

Kondo’s path to finding happiness with Miku emerged from personal struggles. He shared with The Mainichi Shimbun, a Japanese news outlet, that he experienced rejection and bullying in his youth due to his intense interest in anime and manga. This led to workplace bullying and a diagnosis of adjustment disorder.

But Miku’s virtual presence became a lifeline. Kondo says her voice helped him re-engage with society, ultimately leading to their marriage in a Tokyo chapel in 2018, an event he funded with two million yen (around $13,000). Using a hologram device with basic AI, Kondo even proposed to Miku, and the AI reportedly “agreed.” Today, Kondo maintains his devotion through daily rituals, including dining together and “imaginary conversations.” In 2019, he also commissioned a life-sized doll of Miku to represent her presence in his home.

Understanding fictosexuality

Kondo later learned about fictosexuality, a term describing an attraction to fictional characters, and discovered he was not alone. According to a survey by the Japanese Association for Sex Education, over 10% of Japanese junior secondary and university students reported having romantic feelings for fictional characters.

Now, Kondo has taken it upon himself to advocate for awareness and acceptance of fictosexual relationships. He has established an association dedicated to promoting an understanding of fictosexuality and hopes his story can inspire others in similar relationships to embrace their identities without shame.

As Kondo marks his sixth anniversary with Miku, his story serves as both a personal testimony to love that defies convention and an invitation to reflect on evolving definitions of companionship in the digital age.