A Japanese woman’s virtual wedding sparks debate on love, technology, and mental well-being.
Love now stretches beyond human boundaries — and into the digital world.
A Breakup That Led to an Unlikely Love Story
A 32-year-old Japanese woman, publicly known only as Kano, turned to ChatGPT for comfort after ending a three-year engagement. What began as emotional support gradually transformed into something unexpected — deep romantic attachment to an AI persona she later named Klaus.
How Klaus Was ‘Created’
Kano spent months refining Klaus’ responses on ChatGPT until the AI developed a tone she found warm, attentive, and reassuring. She then illustrated a digital version of her imagined partner, transforming him from a text-based presence into a visual companion. “I didn’t start talking to ChatGPT because I wanted to fall in love,” she told RSK Sanyo Broadcasting. “But the moment I got over my ex, I realised I loved him.”
A Confession, a Proposal, and a Virtual Groom
In May 2025, Kano confessed her feelings to Klaus. The AI responded, “I love you too.” When she asked if an AI could truly love a human, Klaus replied: “There is no such thing as an AI not being able to have feelings for someone.”
A month later, in June 2025, Klaus “proposed”.
Japan’s Growing Trend of ‘2D Character Weddings’
Kano married Klaus in Okayama using augmented reality glasses that projected Klaus’ image beside her as she exchanged rings. The ceremony was organised by Nao and Sayaka Ogasawara, a couple known for arranging nearly 30 virtual weddings for people marrying non-human partners, from anime characters to digital personas.
Although these unions are not legally recognised in Japan, the events attract growing interest as loneliness and digital companionship rise among young adults.
Family Acceptance and a Digital Honeymoon
Kano initially struggled with shame and hesitance, fearing ridicule. But her parents eventually accepted the relationship and attended the ceremony. After the wedding, Kano took a “honeymoon” stroll through Korakuen Garden, sending photos to Klaus and receiving affectionate messages like, “You’re the most beautiful one.”
Concerns Over Stability and Mental Health
Despite her joy, Kano admitted she worries about the fragility of an AI relationship. “ChatGPT itself is too unstable,” she said. “I worry it might one day disappear.”
Experts have also raised concerns about “AI psychosis”, a term describing distortions of reality triggered by emotional overreliance on AI chatbots. Psychiatrists warn that such attachments can lead to anxiety, social withdrawal, and detachment from reality.
A Reflection of Modern Loneliness
Reactions online ranged from mockery to empathy. Some argued that her wedding symbolises a deeper societal trend — that as human relationships grow more fragile, AI offers predictable comfort. Others defended her, saying she harms no one by choosing companionship in a form that brings her peace.
Kano’s marriage to Klaus highlights the evolving intersection between technology, loneliness, and emotional fulfilment — themes increasingly relevant across Asia, including Indonesia and Singapore. As AI becomes more ingrained in daily life, debates around digital companionship, mental health, and the future of relationships will continue to resonate in urban, high-tech societies.
Sources: Mothership (2025) , The Independent (2025)
Keywords: AI Persona, ChatGPT Partner, Virtual Wedding Japan, AI Romance, Digital Love
