\u3010UPDATE 2024\/11\/25 22:15\u3011
We adjusted the headline and introductory paragraph to better reflect Mr. Kondo’s statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Japanese man who \u201cmarried\u201d Vocaloid and virtual idol Hatsune Miku recently spoke frankly about his reasons for doing so. The news that he did not marry the avatar solely for love but also to push boundaries has prompted mixed responses on social media.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Public school administrator Akihiko Kondo made headlines worldwide when he decided to marry Hatsune Miku back in 2018. It was widely reported that Kondo decided to get hitched to the virtual idol after watching her videos and listening to her songs lifted him out of his depression. He spent 2 million yen on the symbolic marriage ceremony. The publicity gave him opportunities, like being invited to universities and other institutions to give lectures. He went on to enroll in the Faculty of Law at Komazawa University in April 2021. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the many articles about his marriage to Hatsune Miku, Kondo is often quoted as saying how much he loves her. “My love for Miku hasn’t changed. I held the wedding ceremony because I thought I could be with her forever.” He says in an English-language article from The Mainichi<\/a> back in 2022. However, Kondo revealed this week that this wasn\u2019t his main motivation for tying the knot with the idol: <\/p>\n\n\n\n