This wife really lights up his life

Tokyo – When newlywed Akihiko Kondo returns from work at a middle school in a Tokyo suburb, he is greeted by the love of his life, who lights up – literally – in welcome.

His wife, Hatsune Miku, is a computer-generated hologram.

Her ethereal existence did not stop Kondo, 35, from strengthening his commitment to her with a recent $18 000 (about R257 000) wedding ceremony.

“I believe the shape of love is different for each person,” Kondo said.

“There is a template for happiness, where a real man and woman get married, have a child and live all together. But I don’t believe such a template can necessarily make everyone happy,” the civil servant said.

Hatsune Miku was developed as computer-generated singing software with the persona of a big-eyed, 16-year-old pop star with long, aqua-coloured hair.

The hologram recognises Kondo’s face and voice with its embedded camera and microphone and can respond with simple phrases and songs. – Reuters