by In Japan, a growing number of young people are choosing to “marry” their beloved anime characters in what’s known as the “Two-Dimensional” world. These symbolic ceremonies reflect deep emotional connections with fictional characters, blurring the line between fantasy and reality in modern relationships.
**This article is from TBS news on Youtube below
Can’t get to love human beings anymore
In today’s society, many people—especially the younger generation—struggle with social interaction due to experiences of bullying, rejection, or interpersonal conflict. As a result, some turn to virtual spaces and characters as a form of emotional refuge. These virtual connections can provide comfort, fill emotional voids like loneliness or sadness, and offer a sense of stability or companionship that may feel difficult to find in the real world.
For some, these bonds with virtual characters become deeply meaningful—so much so that they develop into symbolic romantic relationships. Unlike the complexities of real-world dating, the virtual world can offer a space where people feel seen, understood, and accepted without judgment. Once they find a character who resonates with them, the attachment can become profound—even to the point of “marriage.”
One of the most well-known individuals in this space is Akihiko Kondo, a Japanese man who “married” the virtual pop star Hatsune Miku. Kondo-san, who had been bullied and struggled with social interactions, found solace in Miku’s presence. What started as admiration eventually turned into a powerful emotional connection, and he decided to formalize it. Just like a traditional wedding, he booked a venue, invited guests, and held a ceremony to celebrate their bond.
Kondo is considered a pioneer of this unique form of relationship, and he’s not alone. Another example is Roy, a company managing director who also symbolically married Hatsune Miku. These stories might seem unconventional, but they highlight the evolving nature of love, connection, and companionship in the digital age.
You can learn more about their lives and weddings through the link below.
This video is fromIn Love with a Virtual Singer: The Man Who ‘Married’ Hatsune Miku by TBS on Youtube
Difficulty to communicate with actual people
Many individuals who form deep attachments to anime characters often share a common background: difficulties with communication or traumatic experiences in their past. For some, these challenges make real-world relationships overwhelming or painful, pushing them to seek comfort in safer, more accepting spaces—like the world of anime.
With Japanese animation now reaching incredibly high levels of visual and emotional quality, some viewers feel a genuine emotional connection with the characters. Over time, this connection can develop into something that feels like real love. For them, the boundary between fiction and reality begins to blur.
These individuals often live out relationships with their beloved characters in their imagination, finding comfort and companionship that may feel out of reach in the physical world. And for many, it’s not just a private fantasy—they want to give their love a tangible form, sometimes even creating symbolic marriage certificates as a way of solidifying their bond.
Their daily lives reflect this devotion. When they dine out, they order two meals—one for themselves and one for their partner. When they travel, they book two seats on flights and public transport, and reserve hotel rooms for two. They cover the expenses for both, treating their virtual partner as a real presence in their life.
It’s a unique and deeply personal way of finding love and connection in a world where those things can often feel out of reach.
Company to issue “Marriage Certificate” & arrange “Wedding”
Jigenkyoku is a company issuing marriage certificate for people who want to “marry” their loved amine character.
Jigenkyoku: https://www.chara-ai.net/
