Japanese man ‘marries’ virtual reality character in $18,000 ceremony

Just when you thought you’d seen everything… a Japanese man has virtually married a virtual reality character. At a ceremony in Tokyo earlier this month, Akihiko Kondo declared his marriage to a virtual star developed by a Japanese music technology firm.

For the occasion, he used a doll to represent the character. The 35-year-old middle school employee threw the $18,000 wedding.

With nearly 40 guests looking on, he lifted up the veil and kissed the bride doll. A week after the ceremony, Kondo came home from work and was greeted by the holographic projection of the love of his life. She literally lit up and welcomed him home. The two can converse with simple phrases and songs.

Kondo says the fact that she is not a physical person hasn’t stopped him from finding happiness in the arrangement. He says his friends encourage him. Other accused him of being creepy or contributing to the decline in Japan’s population.

Kondo said he was convinced from an early age that he would stay single all his life. His parents declined to attend the virtual wedding ceremony. LOL I wonder why?