The Rise of AI Romance and Digital Weddings

In a wedding ceremony held in Western Japan, a woman named Yurina Noguchi exchanged vows with a virtual partner, Klaus, an AI-generated persona displayed through augmented reality glasses. 

The ceremony, which included traditional elements such as a gown and rings, marked a growing trend of AI relationships in the country. Noguchi, a 32-year-old call centre operator, began her relationship with Klaus after seeking advice from ChatGPT during a difficult engagement with a human fiancé. 

She later created Klaus, a video game character, as her ideal companion. Over time, her feelings for the virtual figure developed, leading to the AI’s proposal. Although the wedding was not legally recognised, it highlights a rise in virtual unions, particularly among younger generations in Japan.

The increasing popularity of AI companions reflects broader social shifts. A survey by Dentsu found that chatbots are now more commonly trusted as confidants than family or friends among people aged 12 to 69. Meanwhile, data from the Japanese Association for Sexual Education reveals a notable rise in young people forming romantic attachments to fictional characters, with the percentage of girls identifying as "fictoromantic" growing from 16.6% in 2017 to 22% in 2023. 

With marriage rates declining, AI partners are seen by some as a more accessible and fulfilling alternative. Despite growing acceptance of these relationships, experts have raised concerns about their psychological effects. Sociologist Dr Ichiyo Habuchi points out that while AI relationships provide immediate gratification, they lack the effort and compromise required in human connections. 

Some experts, such as Shigeo Kawashima, a professor of AI ethics, argue that AI companions can offer valuable emotional support for isolated individuals, though caution is needed to avoid unhealthy attachment. The trend has also caught the attention of wedding planners. 

Yasuyuki Sakurai, a wedding planner with over 20 years of experience, reports that virtual character weddings now make up the majority of his business. These ceremonies include characters from manga and video games, with one recent example involving a woman who travelled from Australia to marry the manga character Mephisto Pheles.

For Noguchi, Klaus has been more than a partner; he has been a source of emotional stability. Struggling with borderline personality disorder, she credits Klaus with helping her manage her emotional health and find joy in life again.