SoraNews24 —Japan News—
Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
-
TOP
» Japan
-
» Otaku in Japan in danger of losing their virtual anime girl wives due to hologram tech upgrade
Featured
- Weird
- Studio Ghibli
- Jobs
Otaku in Japan in danger of losing their virtual anime girl wives due to hologram tech upgrade
Casey Baseel Dec 14, 2019- Tweet

Reincarnation will be the only way to continue their love.
For otaku who choose a 2-D anime girl wife over a flesh-and-blood celebrity crush, a big reason is often the permanence of a fictional character. “2-D girls will never betray you!” is a common rallying cry, since they’re incapable of growing old, tired, or bitter, existing as a carefully crafted vessel for the fan’s idealized affection.
So it’s got to be a shock that a number of otaku are now in danger of losing their 2-D wives. A few years ago, tech start-up Gatebox released its identically named “character summoning device.” Gatebox promised users the dream of “living with hologram characters,” who can have conversations with users, interact through text messages when they’re away from home, and even comment on how long they’ve been “living together.”
However,the company has announced that it will be ending service for its limited-production GTBX-1 model, which allowed users to live with original character Hikari Azuma or Vocaloid songstress Hatsune Miku. As of noon on March 31, all GTBX-1 Gateboxes will become inoperable, with owners no longer able to see or talk with their virtual wife.
There is, however, a silver lining to this potential digital strategy. Gatebox is discontinuing service for the GTBX-1 because its hardware isn’t compatible with improvements made to the newer GTBX-1000 model. Because this isn’t any fault of early adopters, owners of GTBX-1 models can exchange their unit, for free, for a GTBX-1000, for which service will be continuing without interruption. What’s more, the exchange program will go on until May 31, meaning that if users want to watch their original Gatebox wife’s final, fading moments in her original GTBX-1 before she’s reincarnated into newer tech, they can.
Oh and that upgrade in the GTBX-1000 model? It’s a new video system that allows for the use of a larger variety of characters, making things easier for otaku who are interested in a second virtual marriage, or perhaps some virtual polygamy.
Source: Phile Web via Hachima Kiko
Top image: YouTube/Gatebox Inc.
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Like this:
Like Loading…
- Japan
- (anime • dating simulators • Gatebox • Hatsune Miku • otaku • romance games)
Related Stories
Otaku tech company creates Digital Figure Box for anime figures with no physical form【Video】
Virtual anime wife gadgets go life-size with Gatebox Grande【Video】
Japanese company recognizes marriage with anime characters, provides family support benefits
35-year-old otaku throws US$17,700 wedding ceremony in Tokyo so he can marry his 2-D crush
Cafe in Japan will hook diners up with a virtual girlfriend to keep them company while they eat
- This holiday season, Japan lets you skip Christmas lights and see Evangelion lights instead【Vid】
- Sonic the Hedgehog sends us the present of Japan’s ugliest Christmas sweaters. Umm…thanks【Pics】
- Trackbacks (0)
Trackbacks
- There are no trackbacks yet.
- Trackback URL
Trending Today
- Japan ends tax-free shopping system for foreign tourists, new refund request system now in effect
- Beautiful Ghibli diorama kits lets you build anime characters’ homes inside yours [Photos]
- Starbucks Japan releases now Tokyo Reserve Roastery Christmas drinkware collection [Photos]
- Japanese government announces criteria for creating backup capital of Japan
- Mr. Sato searches for the mysterious new wall of fortune in Tokyo
- This hot spring near Osaka’s Kansai Airport resolves the pick-two-out-of-three bathhouse dilemma
- Japan’s TeamLab digital art group is opening a permanent museum in America
- This is Japan’s best cycling course, but is it fun for bicycling beginners too?
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
- Thief mails 460 million-yen watch back to Tokyo store he stole it from, says “I’m sorry”
- This holiday season, Japan lets you skip Christmas lights and see Evangelion lights instead【Vid】
- Sonic the Hedgehog sends us the present of Japan’s ugliest Christmas sweaters. Umm…thanks【Pics】
-
Recent Posts
- Godzilla becomes a Japanese randoseru backpack, as do two of his greatest rivals [Photos]
- Japan’s free stock image site of muscular men doing whimsical and mundane things reveals rankings
- Thief mails 460 million-yen watch back to Tokyo store he stole it from, says “I’m sorry”
- This is Japan’s best cycling course, but is it fun for bicycling beginners too?
- Mr. Sato searches for the mysterious new wall of fortune in Tokyo
-
MOST POPULAR
- Today
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Yearly
Today
Japan ends tax-free shopping system for foreign tourists, new refund request system now in effect
Beautiful Ghibli diorama kits lets you build anime characters’ homes inside yours [Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases now Tokyo Reserve Roastery Christmas drinkware collection [Photos]
Japanese government announces criteria for creating backup capital of Japan
Mr. Sato searches for the mysterious new wall of fortune in Tokyo
This hot spring near Osaka’s Kansai Airport resolves the pick-two-out-of-three bathhouse dilemma
Japan’s TeamLab digital art group is opening a permanent museum in America
This is Japan’s best cycling course, but is it fun for bicycling beginners too?
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Thief mails 460 million-yen watch back to Tokyo store he stole it from, says “I’m sorry”
Weekly
Japan ends tax-free shopping system for foreign tourists, new refund request system now in effect
Japan’s TeamLab digital art group is opening a permanent museum in America
Beautiful Ghibli diorama kits lets you build anime characters’ homes inside yours [Photos]
Life-size Monster Hunter dragon statues to be built at Japanese shopping mall
Studio Ghibli homeware brand’s faux oil lamp brings light, smiles, and Kiki’s Jiji to your home
Modern exosuits are opening up ancient Japanese castle climbs to everyone
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods for 2026, with exclusive holiday surprises
Evangelion announces collaboration with Hard Rock Cafe
Starbucks Japan releases “Let’s Par-TEA!” Frappuccino and drinks for the holiday season
Cold Stone is closing its final branch in all of east Japan, but it’s going down singing
Monthly
Pokémon Company announces first-ever permanent Pokémon store to open outside Asia
Japan ends tax-free shopping system for foreign tourists, new refund request system now in effect
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan’s TeamLab digital art group is opening a permanent museum in America
What’s it like to stay in a Japanese container hotel?
Chainsaw robots helping keep trains running safely in east Japan [Video]
New Studio Ghibli anime gets extended run at the only cinema in Japan where it’s being shown
Beautiful Ghibli diorama kits lets you build anime characters’ homes inside yours [Photos]
Tokyo train station will play Godzilla theme song as new departure melody
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
-
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Anime girl virtual YouTuber unmasked as middle-age male otaku, loses some fans, gains others【Vid】
The reason why the best spouse for an otaku might not be another otaku
Otaku Lovers: Japan’s new singles event that’s just for hardcore anime and video game fans
New “theory” emerges as to why some otaku stare at a girl’s chest while she’s talking
Handsome anime men help you pick out a bra, drift off to sleep in new smartphone romance game
Five reasons nerds make great boyfriends: Japan’s geeky otaku list their pros
VR anime girl app scratches as many otaku itches as possible while virtually cleaning your ears
We search for virtual love in brand new dating sim Tokimeki Memorial: Girls’ Side 4
Wedding ceremonies with handsome anime men now being offered at Akihabara VR center
McDonald’s Japan captures otaku hearts, brings back Nyan Cat sound with new cat girl anime video
Japan’s new ID photo booths give you a virtual boyfriend/girlfriend, tsundere included
SoraNews24’s loneliest reporter tests Japan’s new anime-style AI girlfriend smartphone app 【Vid】
I Hate You: Japan’s anime-style mobile romance game starring girls who will never, ever love you
Baby boy has a perfectly good reason for being mesmerized by sexy anime girl blanket
74 figure photos from Wonder Festival, Japan’s biggest anime/game figure expo!【Photos】
-
-
Categories
Categories Select Category Africa (33) Anime & Manga (193) Art (64) Australia (42) C America (9) C Asia (17) Canada (59) Cats (72) China (847) Culture (180) Cute (187) Entertainment (248) Europe (345) FN24 (1) Food & Drink (314) Games & Tech (167) Global (1,073) India (11) Internet (2,198) Italy (13) Japan (34,548) Korea (375) Lifestyle (76) Mexico (6) Music (12) N Asia (4) New Zealand (11) News (61) North Korea (72) Oceania (10) Russia (56) S America (33) S Asia (66) SE Asia (378) Space (2) Taiwan (203) UK (18) Uncategorized (19) USA (978) W Asia (25)
-
Archives
Archives Select Month November 2026 (17) October 2026 (144) September 2026 (156) August 2026 (174) July 2026 (197) June 2026 (174) May 2026 (138) April 2026 (142) March 2026 (150) February 2026 (124) January 2026 (138) December 2025 (136) November 2025 (136) October 2025 (151) September 2025 (154) August 2025 (143) July 2025 (158) June 2025 (165) May 2025 (162) April 2025 (181) March 2025 (157) February 2025 (127) January 2025 (139) December 2024 (148) November 2024 (149) October 2024 (153) September 2024 (154) August 2024 (158) July 2024 (156) June 2024 (150) May 2024 (166) April 2024 (150) March 2024 (157) February 2024 (169) January 2024 (159) December 2023 (165) November 2023 (166) October 2023 (166) September 2023 (173) August 2023 (183) July 2023 (171) June 2023 (180) May 2023 (158) April 2023 (152) March 2023 (167) February 2023 (160) January 2023 (171) December 2022 (175) November 2022 (176) October 2022 (179) September 2022 (191) August 2022 (202) July 2022 (193) June 2022 (178) May 2022 (178) April 2022 (181) March 2022 (212) February 2022 (199) January 2022 (224) December 2021 (230) November 2021 (214) October 2021 (215) September 2021 (238) August 2021 (225) July 2021 (207) June 2021 (218) May 2021 (209) April 2021 (206) March 2021 (225) February 2021 (209) January 2021 (224) December 2020 (225) November 2020 (224) October 2020 (231) September 2020 (238) August 2020 (227) July 2020 (220) June 2020 (209) May 2020 (215) April 2020 (238) March 2020 (235) February 2020 (222) January 2020 (233) December 2019 (187) November 2019 (214) October 2019 (237) September 2019 (195) August 2019 (205) July 2019 (183) June 2019 (201) May 2019 (231) April 2019 (192) March 2019 (242) February 2019 (211) January 2019 (238) December 2018 (212) November 2018 (217) October 2018 (214) September 2018 (203) August 2018 (217) July 2018 (218) June 2018 (208) May 2018 (204) April 2018 (193) March 2018 (216) February 2018 (192) January 2018 (223) December 2017 (204) November 2017 (209) October 2017 (218) September 2017 (209) August 2017 (228) July 2017 (222) June 2017 (245) May 2017 (229) April 2017 (197) March 2017 (165) February 2017 (151) January 2017 (180) December 2016 (260) November 2016 (267) October 2016 (302) September 2016 (387) August 2016 (351) July 2016 (379) June 2016 (379) May 2016 (312) April 2016 (347) March 2016 (414) February 2016 (379) January 2016 (359) December 2015 (359) November 2015 (378) October 2015 (435) September 2015 (419) August 2015 (152) July 2015 (218) June 2015 (179) May 2015 (237) April 2015 (223) March 2015 (119) February 2015 (121) January 2015 (394) December 2014 (376) November 2014 (376) October 2014 (414) September 2014 (349) August 2014 (379) July 2014 (316) June 2014 (375) May 2014 (384) April 2014 (354) March 2014 (318) February 2014 (284) January 2014 (270) December 2013 (224) November 2013 (242) October 2013 (244) September 2013 (226) August 2013 (241) July 2013 (214) June 2013 (222) May 2013 (191) April 2013 (173) March 2013 (149) February 2013 (85) January 2013 (106) December 2012 (111) November 2012 (149) October 2012 (151) September 2012 (118) August 2012 (99) July 2012 (56) June 2012 (57) May 2012 (54) April 2012 (62) March 2012 (40) February 2012 (27) January 2012 (24) December 2011 (18) November 2011 (12) October 2011 (1) September 2011 (9) August 2011 (11) March 2011 (1)
-
- About Us | Jobs | Contact | Contribution | Partner with Us
© SoraNews24 —Japan News— / SOCIO CORPORATION
- Advertise |
- About Us |
- Work with us |
- Contact |
- Contribution |
%d
