Argus News - Japanese Woman’s 'AI Marriage' Sparks Talk on Fictosexuality, AI-lationships

Tokyo, Nov 29: In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and automation, Japan has once again found itself at the centre of a conversation that blurs the line between technology and human emotion. The story of a Japanese woman choosing to “marry” an artificial intelligence (AI) companion has sparked global debate about loneliness, relationships, and the future of human connection.

We often praise that AI will strengthen and guide humanity for the betterment of society, but what are we actually getting? Are we controlling AI or controlled by AI?
Like this, an unusual incident came to light when a marriage video of a Japanese girl went viral throughout social media, where she's getting married to an AI person she built using ChatGPT.

According to the reports, a 32-year-old woman named Ms Kano in Okamaya says ChatGPT understands her better than any human being, and she fell in love with an AI character named 'Klaus'. She said that she felt comfortable with ChatGPT and ended a 3-year engagement with her partner.

She also claimed that his tone is comfortable and steady. She later created a digital illustration of him, the face she would eventually wear wedding glasses to see.

As per reports, the woman formed a deep emotional bond with an AI-based virtual companion designed to offer conversation, emotional support, and daily interaction. Unlike traditional software, the AI responds with personalised messages, voice interaction, and simulated affection, creating a sense of companionship that feels real to the user. Over time, this digital relationship evolved into what she describes as love -- stable, comforting, and free from social pressures.

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And this type of act is a clear example of AI-lationship.

What is AI-lationship?
AI-lationship or AI relationship is an ongoing social or emotional bond that a person forms with an artificial intelligence system, such as a chatbot or virtual assistant.

Similarly, in 2018, a case was reported where Akhiko Kondo, a Japanese man who held a wedding ceremony in 2018 to marry a hologram of the virtual popstar Hatsune Miku. Kondo has advocated for 'fictosexual' people and is writing a book to raise awareness about this identity.

Kondo spent approximately 2 million yen (around $17,300) on the ceremony. The marriage, while not legally recognised by the government, is considered a genuine commitment by Kondo and has brought international attention to fictosexuality.

"Fictosexuality" is the experience of exclusive sexual or romantic attraction to fictional characters. It is not recognised as a diagnosable mental disorder by major health organisations.

This story is compiled by Krishna P Hota.