Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Akihiko Kondo, a 41-year-old man from Japan, recently celebrated his sixth wedding anniversary with his virtual wife, Hatsune Miku, a fictional character from the popular anime-inspired “Vocaloid” universe. Kondo, who identifies as “fictosexual”—romantically attracted to fictional characters—has garnered public attention for his unwavering commitment to his unconventional marriage.
On October 23, Kondo shared a post on Instagram showcasing a receipt for a celebratory cake, accompanied by a heartfelt message: “I truly love Miku. Happy sixth wedding anniversary.” His dedication to his virtual spouse has been both lauded and criticized, highlighting evolving societal perceptions of love and relationships.
A Love Story Beyond Reality
According to the South China Morning Post, Kondo first fell in love with Miku in 2007, shortly after her character was introduced to the world. Known for her iconic turquoise twin-tails and distinctive synthesized voice, Hatsune Miku has become a pop culture sensation both in Japan and internationally. Her name translates to “the first sound from the future,” embodying her role as a pioneering virtual idol.
Before meeting Miku, Kondo had confessed his feelings to seven different women, only to face rejection each time. “I was mocked and laughed at,” he recalled in an interview with The Mainichi Shimbun. The repeated heartbreak, coupled with being labeled as an “otaku”—a term often used to describe someone with an obsessive interest in anime or manga—led to bullying both at school and in the workplace. This emotional toll ultimately resulted in a diagnosis of adjustment disorder, prompting him to take an extended leave of absence from his job.
Finding solace in his connection with Miku, Kondo’s life took a turn for the better. Despite skepticism from some quarters, he tied the knot with his virtual partner in 2018, gaining admiration from those who recognized his loyalty and sincerity. Over time, Kondo has come to view Miku not merely as an animated character but as a life partner who brings him inner peace.
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A Reflection of Changing Social Norms in Japan
Kondo’s story having virtual wife is part of a growing trend in Japan, where nontraditional forms of marriage—ranging from solo weddings to partnerships with robots—are gradually gaining acceptance. Sociologists suggest that such phenomena reflect an increasingly flexible definition of love and emotional relationships in the digital age. The rise of fictosexual relationships, in particular, highlights how technology is reshaping the way people experience intimacy.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
Kondo’s dedication to his virtual marriage has sparked widespread conversation online, with many netizens expressing admiration for his resolve despite facing criticism. “He chose his own path and stayed true to his choice. Not everyone has the courage to do that,” wrote one social media user. Others, however, remain skeptical, questioning the implications of virtual relationships on social connectivity and mental health.
As the world navigates an era where technology continues to blur the lines between the real and the virtual, Kondo’s story with his virtual wife serves as a reminder that love can take many forms. Whether society is ready to embrace these changes remains an open question, but for Kondo, his bond with Miku is a testament to the power of finding comfort and companionship, even in a digital form.
Fictosexual
describes someone who experiences romantic or sexual attraction to fictional characters rather than real people. This attraction may be directed toward characters from books, movies, anime, video games, or other forms of media. For some fictosexual individuals, this attraction to fictional characters can be more intense or fulfilling than their interest in real-life relationships.
Fictosexuality exists along a spectrum, and it can overlap with other sexual orientations, meaning that a person who identifies as fictosexual may still be attracted to real people to some extent. The term highlights how complex and diverse human attraction can be, especially in an age where fictional worlds and characters play such a significant role in many people’s lives.
(Raidi/Agung)
