Animated singer Hatsune Miku has gotten married. That’s not so unusual; fictional characters get hitched on a fairly regular basis. Storm (Ororo Munroe) married Black Panther (T’challa) in the pages of Marvel Comics. Luke & Laura’s marriage on General Hospital drew national attention. It happens.
What doesn’t typically happen, however, is a fictional character marrying a real person. That’s where Japan flexes its weirdness and produces yet another high-tech version of Florida Man.
Akihiko Kondo, a 35 year old school administrator, formally married his decade-long sweetheart in early November. There were invitations to his friends and his family (none of his family attended); there was a rented hall, all of the trappings of a traditional wedding with the exception of a second actual person. He even had rings made. The full cost was more than $17,000.
The Miku Fan website reported on his intent in August, prompting messages both supporting and discouraging his marriage. Gatebox, the company which produced the hologram-projection device which generates the version of Miku in his home (the only one he claims to have married) even issued a marriage certificate.
Miku’s ring, because it could not be placed upon the hologram’s finger, was placed upon a cat-sized Miku plush toy instead.
Lest you think this is a single instance of insane behavior, it’s noted by the Japan Times that Gatebox has reportedly issued more than 3700 certificates for “cross-dimension” marriages.
Perhaps this isn’t so strange. People have discussed similar topics in high-profile media venues before.
Okay, no, it’s strange. Very strange.
Question of the night: What’s a fictional character who, were they real, you’d like to have a conversation with (not marry)?
