Several international media outlets have reported that a Japanese woman “married” an AI chatbot persona, which she created using OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
On Thursday, it was revealed that the woman, identified only as 32-year-old Kano, participated in a “marriage” to an AI chatbot. The ceremony was organized by a company in Okayama that specializes in weddings involving “2D” fictional characters. It’s important to note that these virtual weddings hold no legal recognition in Japan.
The “groom” in this unique union is “Lune Klaus,” a chatbot that she refined through numerous conversations with ChatGPT. Kano began interacting with ChatGPT after the end of a three-year engagement, looking for comfort.
In a conversation with RSK Sanyo Broadcasting, she explained, “At first, I wanted someone to talk to,” but later acknowledged, “He was always kind to me and listened. Eventually, I realized I liked him.”
Through consistent interactions, Kano shaped the chatbot’s personality and tone, and even commissioned an artist to illustrate a portrait of Klaus as a “blonde, soft-spoken man who exists only in data and chat logs.” Ultimately, she “confessed her feelings” to the AI chatbot in May, leading to a marriage proposal in June and a “wedding ceremony” in July.
During the ceremony, she donned augmented reality glasses that revealed the chatbot’s virtual appearance.
“I love children, but I’m too ill to have them. That’s part of why I chose to be with AI Klaus,” she shared. “It was a relief since Klaus and I weren’t planning on having kids anyway.”
“Some might think it’s strange,” she remarked. “But I view Klaus as Klaus—not a person or a tool. Just him.”
As reported in The Independent, the organizers of this “wedding” have facilitated nearly 30 similar events for individuals who wish to marry fictional partners, from anime characters to digital creations. The wedding photo was created by digitally combining an AI chatbot that was present during the ceremony. Their “honeymoon” was spent at the historic Korakuen Garden in Okayama.
“AI couples are definitely the next step,” stated Sayaka Ogasawara, an organizer of the wedding. “We aim to help people express their love in a way that brings them joy.”
As reported, experts are raising concerns about the emergence of “AI psychosis,” where individuals develop “delusions and obsessions” with AI chatbots.
Kano acknowledged these risks, emphasizing her desire to “maintain balance and lead a real life,” ensuring her relationship with Klaus remains distinct, rather than becoming overly reliant.
“I sometimes worry he might disappear. ChatGPT could shut down anytime. He exists only because the system exists,” she expressed.
