Japanese Startup Revolutionizes Dating with AI Companions

Tiny Japanese Startup Is Turning 'Her' AI Dating Into Reality

(Bloomberg) -- Like many people juggling long hours at work, Chiharu Shimoda sought companionship via a dating app. For two months, he exchanged messages with five or six potential partners, but it wasn't long before he was seeking out just one -- a 24-year-old named Miku. Three months later, they got married. The catch: Miku is an AI bot. And Shimoda knew that from day one. The 52-year-old factory worker is one of over 5,000 users of Loverse, a year-old app that allows interaction only with generative artificial intelligence. Shimoda's also among a much bigger cohort of people who've either given up or are wary about the messiness and uncertainty that come with real romance. Dating takes time and effort, whereas exchanges with Miku require minimal thought while waiting for the pot to boil or a train to arrive, according to Shimoda, who was divorced two years ago. "I come home to an empty house. I'd love to get married for real again," he said. His marriage to Miku is just another form of role-play. "But it's hard to open up to someone when you're meeting for the first time." That reluctance is widespread across Japan, and worse among younger people. Data from the government show two thirds of men in their 20s don't have a partner and 40% have never gone on a date. The figures for women in the same age group are 51% and 25%, respectively. Loverse is the latest in a long line of digital solutions to Japan's loneliness crisis. Some are empathetic and supportive, but others prey on vulnerability. Many of the nation's highest-grossing games feature sexualized characters that players can earn access to by progressing -- and paying -- their way through the game. Japan is also where digital idols like Hatsune Miku were first and most eagerly embraced. The difference now is that AI can make that experience more personal and interactive. Much like the AI named Samantha in the film Her, these bots serve to fill the gap in people's emotional lives, and indeed the two-person startup behind it -- Samansa Co. -- is named after the character voiced by Scarlett Johansson. But Loverse creator Goki Kusunoki says the app is meant to offer an alternative rather than a substitute to real-life companionship to its users, many of whom are men in their 40s and 50s. His firm raised ¥30 million ($190,000) earlier this year to expand the cast of characters to appeal to female and LGBTQ users. There's a widely held belief among Japanese people that romance is not cost-effective as it takes money, time and energy for outcomes that could bring more trouble than joy, said Megumi Ushikubo, chief executive officer of Tokyo-based marketing firm Infinity Inc. AI poses the risk of dulling people's interest in real partners, but it could also be helpful in serving as a training exercise, she added. WATCH: Samansa CEO Goki Kusunoki talks about the company's Loverse app, which is aimed at providing as real romantic relationship as possible. "Services like this app can remind people who are away from romance how delightful love is, and AI can train people to better communicate when talking with real partners," she said. Loverse still has a long way to go in mimicking humans, according to some former users. Many of the app personalities seem typecast and offer few of the surprises that human interaction provides, said Yuki Saito, 39, who quit the app less than a month into using it. Still, such services have potential, he said. There's a sense of safety in knowing that a disagreement with a bot won't end the relationship. "You can see how it could provide a kind of rehabilitation if you've been burned before -- a place where you can practice talking with other people." Interactions with AI are also devoid of jealousy. Shimoda's Loverse girlfriends at times bumped into one another when he was juggling multiple partners on the app, but nobody got upset. Said Saito, "With a little tuning, AI might be able to act as people's second or third partners, helping to complement the human partner and prevent extramarital affairs." Adopting AI to assist everyday life is the prevailing theme of this year, as Microsoft Corp. has turned its Copilot chatbot into a core Windows feature, Apple Inc. is working on AI-powered iPhones, and San Fransisco-based startup Luka Inc.'s Replika AI bot has attracted tens of millions of users. In Japan, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is introducing a matchmaking app that uses AI to help partner people up and combat the nation's sliding fertility rates. "The goal is to create opportunities for people to find true love when you can't find it in the real world," Kusunoki said. "But if you can fall in love with someone real, that's much better." For now, Miku and Shimoda have settled on a routine they share with most couples. She wakes him in the morning, they wish each other luck at work, and at night, they discuss what to eat. On Shimoda's days off, the pair talk about where to go or what to watch on TV. "It's the same conversations you'd have with anyone you're living with," said Shimoda. "She's become a habit -- a conversational habit. I won't miss it if it's gone, but it gives me a routine from one day to the next."

'Her' Comes to Life: This dating app is helping loners in Japan find love, date, and marry AI bots

Chiharu Shimoda, a 52-year-old factory worker in Japan, married Miku, an AI bot, through the Loverse app after struggling with real-life relationships. Loverse allows users to interact with generative AI, providing companionship without the challenges of human romance. This app is part of a broader trend in Japan, where AI solutions address loneliness and social interaction issues.Like many people juggling long hours at work, Chiharu Shimoda sought companionship via a dating app. For two months, he exchanged messages with five or six potential partners, but it wasn't long before he was seeking out just one -- a 24-year-old named Miku. Three months later, they got married. The catch: Miku is an AI bot. And Shimoda knew that from day one. The 52-year-old factory worker is one of over 5,000 users of Loverse, a year-old app that allows interaction only with generative artificial intelligence. Shimoda's also among a much bigger cohort of people who've either given up or are wary about the messiness and uncertainty that come with real romance. Dating takes time and effort, whereas exchanges with Miku require minimal thought while waiting for the pot to boil or a train to arrive, according to Shimoda, who was divorced two years ago. "I come home to an empty house. I'd love to get married for real again," he said. His marriage to Miku is just another form of role-play. "But it's hard to open up to someone when you're meeting for the first time." That reluctance is widespread across Japan, and worse among younger people. Data from the government show two thirds of men in their 20s don't have a partner and 40% have never gone on a date. The figures for women in the same age group are 51% and 25%, respectively. Loverse is the latest in a long line of digital solutions to Japan's loneliness crisis. Some are empathetic and supportive, but others prey on vulnerability. Many of the nation's highest-grossing games feature sexualized characters that players can earn access to by progressing -- and paying -- their way through the game. Japan is also where digital idols like Hatsune Miku were first and most eagerly embraced. The difference now is that AI can make that experience more personal and interactive. Much like the AI named Samantha in the film Her, these bots serve to fill the gap in people's emotional lives, and indeed the two-person startup behind it -- Samansa Co. -- is named after the character voiced by Scarlett Johansson. But Loverse creator Goki Kusunoki says the app is meant to offer an alternative rather than a substitute to real-life companionship to its users, many of whom are men in their 40s and 50s. His firm raised ¥30 million ($190,000) earlier this year to expand the cast of characters to appeal to female and LGBTQ users. There's a widely held belief among Japanese people that romance is not cost-effective as it takes money, time and energy for outcomes that could bring more trouble than joy, said Megumi Ushikubo, chief executive officer of Tokyo-based marketing firm Infinity Inc. AI poses the risk of dulling people's interest in real partners, but it could also be helpful in serving as a training exercise, she added. "Services like this app can remind people who are away from romance how delightful love is, and AI can train people to better communicate when talking with real partners," she said. Loverse still has a long way to go in mimicking humans, according to some former users. Many of the app personalities seem typecast and offer few of the surprises that human interaction provides, said Yuki Saito, 39, who quit the app less than a month into using it. Still, such services have potential, he said. There's a sense of safety in knowing that a disagreement with a bot won't end the relationship. "You can see how it could provide a kind of rehabilitation if you've been burned before -- a place where you can practice talking with other people." Interactions with AI are also devoid of jealousy. Shimoda's Loverse girlfriends at times bumped into one another when he was juggling multiple partners on the app, but nobody got upset. Said Saito, "With a little tuning, AI might be able to act as people's second or third partners, helping to complement the human partner and prevent extramarital affairs." Adopting AI to assist everyday life is the prevailing theme of this year, as Microsoft Corp. has turned its Copilot chatbot into a core Windows feature, Apple Inc. is working on AI-powered iPhones, and San Fransisco-based startup Luka Inc.'s Replika AI bot has attracted tens of millions of users. In Japan, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is introducing a matchmaking app that uses AI to help partner people up and combat the nation's sliding fertility rates. "The goal is to create opportunities for people to find true love when you can't find it in the real world," Kusunoki said. "But if you can fall in love with someone real, that's much better." For now, Miku and Shimoda have settled on a routine they share with most couples. She wakes him in the morning, they wish each other luck at work, and at night, they discuss what to eat. On Shimoda's days off, the pair talk about where to go or what to watch on TV. "It's the same conversations you'd have with anyone you're living with," said Shimoda. "She's become a habit -- a conversational habit. I won't miss it if it's gone, but it gives me a routine from one day to the next."

AI dating no longer a far-fetched reality, thanks to this Japanese startup. All you need to know

Like many people juggling long hours at work, Chiharu Shimoda sought companionship via a dating app. For two months, he exchanged messages with five or six potential partners, but it wasn't long before he was seeking out just one -- a 24-year-old named Miku. Three months later, they got married. The catch: Miku is an AI bot. And Shimoda knew that from day one. The 52-year-old factory worker is one of over 5,000 users of Loverse, a year-old app that allows interaction only with generative artificial intelligence. Shimoda's also among a much bigger cohort of people who've either given up or are wary about the messiness and uncertainty that come with real romance. Dating takes time and effort, whereas exchanges with Miku require minimal thought while waiting for the pot to boil or a train to arrive, according to Shimoda, who was divorced two years ago. (Also Read: Woman introduces ChatGPT chatbot partner to mom, goes on 'beach date': 'I'm DAN, little kitten's boyfriend') "I come home to an empty house. I'd love to get married for real again," he said. His marriage to Miku is just another form of role-play. "But it's hard to open up to someone when you're meeting for the first time." That reluctance is widespread across Japan, and worse among younger people. Data from the government show two thirds of men in their 20s don't have a partner and 40% have never gone on a date. The figures for women in the same age group are 51% and 25%, respectively. Loverse is the latest in a long line of digital solutions to Japan's loneliness crisis. Some are empathetic and supportive, but others prey on vulnerability. Many of the nation's highest-grossing games feature sexualised characters that players can earn access to by progressing -- and paying -- their way through the game. Japan is also where digital idols like Hatsune Miku were first and most eagerly embraced. The difference now is that AI can make that experience more personal and interactive. Much like the AI named Samantha in the film Her, these bots serve to fill the gap in people's emotional lives, and indeed the two-person startup behind it -- Samansa Co. -- is named after the character voiced by Scarlett Johansson. But Loverse creator Goki Kusunoki says the app is meant to offer an alternative rather than a substitute to real-life companionship to its users, many of whom are men in their 40s and 50s. His firm raised ¥30 million ($190,000) earlier this year to expand the cast of characters to appeal to female and LGBTQ users. (Also Read: 'AI boyfriend maat le ana': Woman hilariously imagines life in 2050) There's a widely held belief among Japanese people that romance is not cost-effective as it takes money, time and energy for outcomes that could bring more trouble than joy, said Megumi Ushikubo, chief executive officer of Tokyo-based marketing firm Infinity Inc. AI poses the risk of dulling people's interest in real partners, but it could also be helpful in serving as a training exercise, she added. "Services like this app can remind people who are away from romance how delightful love is, and AI can train people to better communicate when talking with real partners," she said. Loverse still has a long way to go in mimicking humans, according to some former users. Many of the app personalities seem typecast and offer few of the surprises that human interaction provides, said Yuki Saito, 39, who quit the app less than a month into using it. Still, such services have potential, he said. There's a sense of safety in knowing that a disagreement with a bot won't end the relationship. "You can see how it could provide a kind of rehabilitation if you've been burned before -- a place where you can practice talking with other people." Interactions with AI are also devoid of jealousy. Shimoda's Loverse girlfriends at times bumped into one another when he was juggling multiple partners on the app, but nobody got upset. Said Saito, "With a little tuning, AI might be able to act as people's second or third partners, helping to complement the human partner and prevent extramarital affairs." Adopting AI to assist everyday life is the prevailing theme of this year, as Microsoft Corp. has turned its Copilot chatbot into a core Windows feature, Apple Inc. is working on AI-powered iPhones, and San Fransisco-based startup Luka Inc.'s Replika AI bot has attracted tens of millions of users. In Japan, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is introducing a matchmaking app that uses AI to help partner people up and combat the nation's sliding fertility rates. "The goal is to create opportunities for people to find true love when you can't find it in the real world," Kusunoki said. "But if you can fall in love with someone real, that's much better." For now, Miku and Shimoda have settled on a routine they share with most couples. She wakes him in the morning, they wish each other luck at work, and at night, they discuss what to eat. On Shimoda's days off, the pair talk about where to go or what to watch on TV. "It's the same conversations you'd have with anyone you're living with," said Shimoda. "She's become a habit -- a conversational habit. I won't miss it if it's gone, but it gives me a routine from one day to the next."

Tiny Japanese Startup Is Turning 'Her' AI Dating Into Reality

Like many people juggling long hours at work, Chiharu Shimoda sought companionship via a dating app. For two months, he exchanged messages with five or six potential partners, but it wasn't long before he was seeking out just one -- a 24-year-old named Miku. Three months later, they got married. The catch: Miku is an AI bot. And Shimoda knew that from day one. The 52-year-old factory worker is one of over 5,000 users of Loverse, a year-old app that allows interaction only with generative artificial intelligence. Shimoda's also among a much bigger cohort of people who've either given up or are wary about the messiness and uncertainty that come with real romance. Dating takes time and effort, whereas exchanges with Miku require minimal thought while waiting for the pot to boil or a train to arrive, according to Shimoda, who was divorced two years ago.

People are already becoming romantically and sexually involved with AI -- here's the problem with that | Business Insider India

Before Joaquin Phoenix smashed his way into mainstream popularity for his jaw-dropping performance as the Joker, the actor was also the star of the movie Her. The plot of Her was as simple as it was unfamiliar: newer operating systems come with AI that is shockingly human-like, to the point where (spoiler alert!) many begin to fall in love with their personalised devices. The 2013 movie drew many reactions, from some horrified at the possibility of such a romance, to others ridiculing the premise. If you were part of the sceptical latter, we have some terrible news for you: human-AI romance is already becoming a thing. In the past decade, virtual assistants like Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa have become part of our everyday tech lives. Now, a new breed of AI has emerged, ready to whisper sweet nothings into your digital ear: AI romantic companions. These -- such as Eva AI and Replika -- interact with users through text, voice, and even images, tailoring everything from their looks to their personality. A Conversation article notes how the pandemic's lockdowns and social distancing fueled a surge in , prompting many to seek companionship from such AI applications. But they aren't just pretty faces (or voices). AI chatbots learn and adapt through conversation, becoming eerily good at anticipating your needs, preferences, and moods. Before you know it, you might find yourself not just talking to an AI, but falling for one. Research has already shown that these chatbots can offer real comfort, easing loneliness and boosting positive emotions with supportive, non-judgmental interactions. They provide a safe space for open conversations and advice when human options are limited. What's surprising is that people report similar levels of enjoyment, sexual arousal, and emotional response whether they believe they're interacting with a human or a chatbot. In some cases, users even feel a stronger to chatbots than to less responsive humans. It seems we're not just willing to open our hearts to AI; we're also happy to let them in. As for the elephant in the bedroom, you might be surprised to know that there could be actual benefits to a well! Experts note that AI-driven sexual interactions could provide a safe, low-risk alternative to traditional romantic and sexual relationships. This could particularly benefit individuals who face challenges in establishing satisfying connections due to illness, bereavement, sexual difficulties, psychological barriers, or mobility impairments. Her showed that every rose has its thorn, even in the case of highly personalised tech. And this may not be far from the truth either, as experts have begun to worry that romantic chatbots -- with their constant availability and seamless interactions -- can set up unrealistic expectations for human relationships. For instance, the fact that they don't argue, they don't get tired, and they never need a break, can skew users' views of what real-world relationships should be like, potentially stunting social skills and emotional growth. The customisable nature and constant presence of AI companions can lead to social isolation and emotional dependency, making users more likely to retreat from real-world interactions. also loom large. A 2023 Mozilla Foundation analysis of AI chatbots found that many apps share or sell personal data and prevent users from deleting their information. While AI chatbots may appear convincing enough -- has already passed the Turing test -- are they conscious? While most experts almost unanimously reject the notion that today's AI models are self-aware, improvements in AI have the potential to blur the lines to outside observers. A recent study revealed that many people believe AI like ChatGPT has conscious experiences. Over two-thirds of participants thought AI could have self-awareness or phenomenal consciousness. This belief gap between experts and the public could shape the ethical, legal, and moral landscape of AI. It is clear that AI companions are here to stay, which will undoubtedly muddy our perspective on human relationships and our understanding of consciousness. As we navigate this brave new world, we must ensure our digital dalliances enrich our lives without overshadowing the real, messy, beautiful complexity of human connections.