From Anime Obsession to a Life in Japan: A Young Woman’s Unique Love Story
For many, the vibrant world of anime and manga offers a delightful escape, a colourful universe filled with captivating characters and imaginative storylines. For Lucie Nanami, then just 12 years old, a glimpse into a tiny figurine shop window in 2013 ignited a passion that would shape her future in ways she could never have imagined. The sight of characters with their bright hair and wide, expressive eyes was utterly enchanting. “They’re so cute!” she exclaimed to her mother, who identified them as manga characters. It was the beginning of a lifelong fascination.
From that moment, Lucie was hooked. She eagerly sought out her first manga book, and it wasn’t long before she was equally enthralled by anime, completely immersing herself in the narratives and forging deep connections with the characters on screen. This burgeoning interest soon extended beyond the fictional realm.
A pivotal moment arrived when Lucie, at the age of 15, visited Japan for the first time with her family. The experience was transformative, and she found herself falling deeply in love with the country. “I want to learn the language properly,” she declared to her parents, a sentiment they wholeheartedly supported as their family continued to explore the world and its diverse cultures together.
By 16, Lucie had enrolled in a selective high school, choosing to major in Japanese. The following year, her dedication was rewarded with an unforgettable three-week exchange program in Japan. The experience solidified her resolve; she knew she had to return.
Her university years were marked by plans for a year-long exchange, a dream that was ultimately dashed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, Lucie made a firm vow: “Once I graduate, I’ll move there.”
It was at the age of 19 that Lucie’s world became even more intertwined with the anime universe through the series Rent-A-Girlfriend.
The premise of the anime follows a university student who opts to rent a girlfriend after a breakup. However, it was a specific character, Mami, who captured Lucie’s complete attention. Lucie found herself captivated by Mami’s enigmatic persona, constantly questioning her motivations and backstory. Despite extensive research, the character’s mysteries remained largely unexplained, fueling Lucie’s obsession even further.
This obsession soon translated into tangible actions. Lucie began accumulating merchandise related to Mami, a pursuit that quickly escalated into spending thousands of dollars. Inspired by Mami’s signature yellow colour palette, Lucie started creating her own outfits in that distinctive hue, proudly sharing photos of her creations online. Her dedication reached new heights when she began taking acrylic standees of Mami on outings, placing them on cafe tables and photographing them as if on dates. As Lucie had come out as lesbian in her early teens, her attraction to a female character was not new; the fact that Mami was a 2D creation was the novel element. Mami’s charm, cheekiness, and intriguing nature were, for Lucie, impossible to ignore.
In a remarkable display of her devotion, in December 2023, Lucie hosted an engagement party for herself and Mami. The celebration featured a custom cake bearing their names and a symbolic ring. Her friends, many of whom were also anime enthusiasts, embraced Lucie’s unique celebration. This deep level of commitment and romantic projection onto a fictional character is known in Japan as yume.
By early 2025, Lucie had achieved her long-held dream, making the permanent move to Japan. Her life in her beloved adopted country took another interesting turn one evening at a lesbian bar. A woman noticed Lucie’s Mami-adorned purse and inquired about her favourite character. Lucie, with a laugh, asked if she had seen Rent-A-Girlfriend. This led to the start of a relationship. As their connection deepened, Lucie’s new partner came to understand the profound significance Mami held for her. When Lucie asked if she felt jealous of Mami, her girlfriend responded with a reassuring smile, “Of course not. She’s 2D, and I’m real. There’s room for both.”
Later that year, after Lucie shared news of her three-year engagement, a Japanese wedding company approached her with an offer for a unique 2D wedding photoshoot.
Lucie enthusiastically accepted. While not legally binding, the photoshoot was a beautiful testament to her love. Dressed in a stunning off-the-shoulder gown, she posed with a Mami plushie, while her girlfriend and family joined the celebration remotely via video call.
Lucie acknowledges that her profound connection to Mami is not universally understood. However, she remains steadfast in her happiness, which she considers the ultimate priority. Looking ahead, she is confident that there is indeed room for a real-world wedding with her human partner one day, a testament to the evolving nature of love and relationships in the modern world.
