Any development involving virtual reality technology is interesting to keep an eye on. In Japan, Akihiko Kondo has been able to marry his idol’s hologram. This “marriage’ is pretty interesting, as he effectively tied the knot with a hologram of a virtual reality signer. It is a very unusual turn of events, although the concept seems to make sense, up to a certain degree.
This Hatsune Miku Hologram is no Longer Single
Most people will not be too surprised to learn this “marriage’ took place in Japan. Akihiko Kondo sent out invitations to his marriage earlier this month. The big catch is how he is not marrying a human woman, but rather a hologram of a virtual reality singer. Known as Hatsune Miku, she has become quite a cult figure in Japan over the past few years. It is only normal some fans dream of marrying their idol at some point in the future.
Considering how no relatives attended the wedding, it is evident this concept still raises a lot of questions. Kondo was not too bothered by this development, as he effectively spent 2 million yen on a formal ceremony. A total of 40 guests watched the marriage as it happened. His bride was present in the form of a cat-sized stuffed doll. It is a great way of achieving something that would otherwise be impossible under normal circumstances.
The happy couple currently lives together in Tokyo. Miku has taken shape in the form of a talking hologram powered by a $2,800 desktop machine. Although this does not mean Hatsune Miku is no longer single, the version of Miku in Kondo’s house is officially considered to be his wife. He even considers himself an ordinary married man, as his wife wakes him up every morning prior to sending him off to his job.
Most people will look at this idea as a fantasy grown out of control. While that may be an applicable label, one has to keep in mind the concept of marrying VR idols is not entirely abnormal either. Kondo’s marriage currently does not have any legal standing, but that situation can always change in the future. As this concept becomes more commonplace, the regulation in Japan – as well as other countries – may need to be revisited moving forward.
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