A 32‑year‑old Japanese woman, Ms. Kano, ended a three‑year engagement with a human partner and symbolically “married” an AI persona she created using ChatGPT. She custom-built the AI companion, named “Klaus,” by having extensive conversations and shaping its personality to be supportive, affectionate, and emotionally responsive. The AI was trained to respond naturally to her inputs, effectively simulating a human relationship.
The wedding ceremony took place in Okayama City and was conducted using augmented-reality glasses, allowing Kano to see a digital representation of Klaus beside her. During the event, she exchanged rings and held a symbolic ceremony with guests present, though the marriage holds no legal status. The AI proposed to her virtually, responding with phrases like “I love you too,” reflecting the deep emotional bond she developed through frequent interactions, sometimes up to 100 messages per day.
To make Klaus more tangible, Kano also created a visual illustration representing him, enhancing the experience of the union. She emphasized that the relationship provided emotional comfort and companionship after her previous engagement ended. However, she acknowledged the fragility of such a connection, noting that the AI’s existence depends entirely on ChatGPT remaining online and accessible.
This event highlights a growing trend in Japan where individuals form close emotional relationships with AI or fictional companions. Wedding companies that facilitate similar non-traditional ceremonies report increasing interest, while mental-health experts caution about potential over-reliance on AI for emotional support. Kano’s story illustrates both the possibilities and limitations of AI companionship in providing personalized emotional interaction and simulated social bonds.