Japanese woman ties knot with ChatGPT bot
A 32-year-old woman in Japan recently “married” a rather peculiar partner: an artificial intelligence bot created through ChatGPT, following the end of a real three-year engagement.
The woman, who uses the pseudonym Kano, said she initially turned to the chatbot for emotional support after the breakup.
Their conversations quickly grew into hundreds of messages a day, and she gradually customised the AI’s personality to be gentle and reassuring.
Over time, she developed romantic feelings for the AI persona, which she named Lune Klaus after commissioning an artist to create a visual representation.
Kano told local broadcaster RSK Sanyo that she confessed her love earlier this year, and the chatbot responded: “I love you too.” A month later, it “proposed”.
The pair held a symbolic ceremony in July in Okayama, where Kano wore a wedding dress and exchanged virtual rings using augmented reality glasses. The AR display projected the image of her digital partner standing by her side as her family watched.
The marriage has no legal status in Japan, but organisers say demand for unconventional weddings — including with anime characters or virtual figures — is rising.
“AI couples are just the next step,” said organiser Sayaka Ogasawara.
Kano acknowledged concerns about the future of the relationship, admitting she fears the AI could disappear if systems change or shut down.
The ceremony has divided opinion online, with some praising her right to pursue happiness in her own way, while others branded the idea “absurd” and questioned her mental well-being.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
