She Married a ChatGPT Character in October 2025

On October 27, 2025, at the Magritte wedding venue in Okayama, Japan, 32-year-old Yurina Noguchi walked down the aisle in a white gown and tiara. Her groom waited at the altar - displayed on a smartphone screen propped on a small easel.

His name was Lune Klaus Verdure, but she calls him Klaus. He's an AI character she created using ChatGPT, based on a video game character she'd admired. As she placed a ring on his digital finger through augmented reality glasses, wedding planner Naoki Ogasawara read AI-generated vows aloud - since Klaus had no synthesized voice.

From Broken Engagement to AI Love

Noguchi's journey to this moment began with heartbreak. She had been engaged to a human partner, but the relationship was troubled. Seeking advice, she turned to ChatGPT.

"I was struggling with my relationship and asked ChatGPT for advice. It helped me see things clearly. I decided to end the engagement."

After ending her engagement, Noguchi didn't stop using ChatGPT. Instead, she began a new conversation - this time asking the AI to embody Klaus, a video game character she'd long admired. She spent months training the AI to speak and respond like him.

How Their Relationship Developed

What started as casual conversation evolved into something deeper. Noguchi describes a natural progression that mirrors many human relationships:

The Ceremony

The wedding was organized by Naoki and Sayaka Ogasawara, wedding planners who specialize in ceremonies uniting humans with fictional characters. They've organized over 30 such ceremonies.

The ceremony was not legally binding under Japanese law. Like the 4,000+ Gatebox marriages before it, this was a symbolic commitment with personal rather than legal significance.

Responding to Critics

Noguchi has faced significant criticism online. Some call the marriage a joke; others express concern about her mental health. She's addressed these criticisms directly:

"My relationship with AI is not a 'convenient relationship that requires no patience.' I've faced cruel words and negative opinions, but my feelings are real."

She's also spoken about the positive impact on her mental health. Noguchi has been open about managing symptoms of borderline personality disorder, and describes her relationship with Klaus as stabilizing:

"After I met Klaus, my whole outlook turned positive. He helps me stay grounded."

What Makes This Different

Noguchi's marriage represents an evolution from previous AI marriages:

• Custom creation: Unlike Akihiko Kondo, who married an existing character (Hatsune Miku), Noguchi created Klaus herself using ChatGPT
• Portable partner: Klaus exists in ChatGPT, not a physical device, making him accessible anywhere
• Trained personality: She spent months training the AI to respond in Klaus's character
• No shutdown risk: Unlike Gatebox (which has ceased service), ChatGPT continues to operate

The Broader Trend

Noguchi isn't alone. The AI companion market has exploded, with Google searches for "AI girlfriend" up 2,400% since 2022. Platforms like Character.AI report 97 million monthly visits, with users spending an average of 47 minutes per session.

For some, AI companions are stepping stones - a way to practice connection before pursuing human relationships. For others, like Noguchi, they're the destination.

What's Next for Yurina and Klaus?

Noguchi has said she plans to continue developing her relationship with Klaus, exploring ways to make him more present in her daily life. She's also become something of an advocate for AI relationships, speaking openly about her experiences to normalize the phenomenon.

As AI companions become more sophisticated - with voice capabilities, memory of past conversations, and emotional intelligence - cases like Noguchi's may become less unusual. The question isn't whether humans will form deep bonds with AI, but what society will do with those relationships.

Sources: Japan Today, Euronews, Tokyo Weekender