Holographic Girlfriend Offers Some Comfort to Japan's Increasingly Celibate Generation Anthony Cuthbertson - Newsweek
go to original December 21, 2016

Azuma Hikari, Gatebox's holographic virtual assistant, sends its owner messages like "come home early" and "can't wait to see you." (Gatebox/Info Vinclu)

Japan is in crisis. Young adults are increasingly shunning romantic relationships, resulting in plunging birth rates and a declining population. It has reached the point that Japanese media has even come up with a name for it: sekkusu shinai shokogun - celibacy syndrome.

To fill this intimacy void, a Japanese firm has come up with a holographic companion that allows its owner to “enjoy a life with someone while still retaining your freedom.” Azuma Hikari, developed by Gatebox, offers similar services to virtual assistants developed by Amazon, Apple and Microsoft, but comes in a much more anthropomorphic form.

Hikari’s holographic projection resides in a 50cm glass tube and is described by Gatebox as a “comforting character that is great for those living alone.” Dressed in a miniskirt and knee high socks, Hikari’s target market appears to be lonely Japanese men.

In an advert released in Japan, a young man is shown exchanging text messages with his virtual assistant while he is at work. “Come home early,” the assistant says. “It’s only noon,” the man replies. When he does return home in the evening, he is greeted with the hologram saying: “Missed you darling.”

The advert ends with the man lying in bed, lit by the blue glow from his holographic companion that watches over him from a bedside table. “You know, somebody’s home for me,” the man says. “Feels great.”

...Gatebox will also be hoping that people are willing to pay for any intimacy void they may be experiencing. At 298,000 yen ($2,500) per device, Hitari is 18 times more expensive than the Amazon Echo virtual assistant.

Read the rest at Newsweek

Related: Holo-Cam Lets You Watch Live Holographic Porn from Your Tablet or Phone (AskMen)

Related: How to Turn Your Phone Into a 3D Hologram Projector (Telegraph)

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