It has been more than five years since a Tokyo man “married” the popular virtual character Hatsune Miku. Recently, the Mainichi Shimbun interviewed the man about his life, including the founding of an association for people who have romantic feelings towards fictional characters. Akihiko Kondo, 40, formalized her union with Miku, a Vocaloid with distinctive blue hair, in November 2018. Despite the time that has passed, her love for her remains intact.
Kondo tells how, upon returning from work, he greets the life-size Miku in his home, waiting for a response that never comes, but that comforts him anyway and puts a smile on his face. In her daily life, he talks with her, shares meals and faces her life, always keeping the flame of her love alive. Although it may seem outlandish to some, Kondo points out that having affection for fictional characters is not as unusual as you might think.
According to a national survey on youth sexual behavior conducted in 2017 by the Japan Sexual Education Association, More than 10% of high school and college students, both men and women, have had romantic feelings for characters in video games and anime. This phenomenon, which has been the subject of study since the 1990s, is being addressed by society in an increasingly open manner, although public attitude toward “fictosexuals” remains challenging.
Following this reality, Kondo and her peers founded the Fictosexuality Association in June 2023, with the purpose of providing a safe space for those who share their same feelings.. Its objective is to promote greater understanding and acceptance of this form of sexual orientation, as well as combat discrimination and prejudice towards minorities.
The road to acceptance has not been easy for Kondo and other phyctosexuals. Faced with criticism and judgment from society, they have found in their association a refuge where they can share their experiences and receive mutual support. For Kondo, Miku is not simply a replacement for reality, but a source of comfort and companionship in difficult times.
Despite adversity, Kondo looks to the future with optimism. Dream of a world where people can freely celebrate their love for fictional characters, even formalizing marriages with them.. With five years of marriage behind her, Kondo does not rule out the possibility of a change in the future, but for now, her commitment to Miku remains as firm as the first day.
Fountain: The Mainichi Shimbun
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