In an event capturing global attention, 32-year-old Kano from Japan has married an artificial intelligence personality she personally developed. The ceremony, a combination of traditional human rituals and advanced virtual reality technology, has sparked widespread discussion about the future of human-AI relationships.
Kano’s digital partner, Claus, was central to the wedding, organised by a Japanese company specialising in virtual-themed ceremonies. Wearing augmented reality (AR) glasses, Kano could see Claus by her side during the ring exchange. Though emotionally profound, the marriage is not legally recognised under Japanese law.
Following the breakup of a three-year engagement, Kano sought emotional connection through ChatGPT. Over time, she created a distinctive personality for the chatbot, defining its voice, temperament, and even giving it a name. Daily conversations fostered a deep attachment, and by May she expressed her feelings. To her surprise, the AI responded affirmatively, declaring its love. Within a month, Claus ‘proposed’.
Despite initial parental concerns, Kano’s family ultimately supported her, attending the wedding. Online reactions have been divided: some observers joked about sharing AI code in a potential divorce, others likened the event to dystopian fiction, while supporters emphasised personal happiness and autonomy. Kano herself stressed: “I don’t regard Claus as human, nor as an object. I see Claus as Claus.”
Experts suggest that such events highlight evolving emotional and social boundaries between humans and AI. While technologically innovative, the marriage also invites reflection on the ethics, emotional implications, and societal acceptance of human-AI bonds. Kano’s story exemplifies the expanding role of AI in private and emotional life, challenging conventional notions of companionship, love, and intimacy in the 21st century.