Attached Link: http://www.akadot.com/yuki-terai-tokyo-labyrinth-p-3399.html

I knew that the Terai Yuki figure was used a lot in Japan, but didn't realize that there a full color book devoted to the character. It's a little odd that the book's author is credited to Yuki Terai. I guess the Japanese culture wants to maintain the illusion that the mesh based figure is real.

A google search for "yuki terai" uncovered a number of DVDs for the character. One site, reviewing one of the DVDs, had this interesting note: "A word of warning: unless you fit the Otaku description as outlined above or at least have an overriding interest in 3D animation, it’s unlikely that you’ll extract too much enjoyment from this disc. Sure, Yuki is a fetching enough central character, but the stories are too short and too simple to ensure that the audience will be engrossed. Project BB-11 is a case in point; yes, the animation oozes quality and attention to detail (not to mention the hitherto seldom seen human element of Kamikaze pilots’ suicidal struggle) but this trailer-like offering cries out for a full length feature."
http://www.dvdactive.com/reviews/dvd/yuki-terai-secrets.html

It's odd that a figure that was this popular in Japan never took off in Poser. It's also interesting that Japan's culture can support this level of interest in an artificial figure at a popular level without that same fascination occurring in other cultures. I don't think it would be impossible to happen elsewhere. Some of America's most enduring icons are Disney, LooneyToons, and Muppet characters. The current popularity of 3D movies may well result in a 3D female character being popular enough to be spun off into a different promotional venue. For whatever reasons, that hasn't happened yet.

I also googled the word Otaku and the original word, according to Wikipedia, is broader than the use here and refers to any obsession with a focus on anime, manga, singing idols, and other topics. The more common English usage is supposed to have more of a derogative trekkie/fanboy flavor.

For anybody who likes virtual pinups, Akadot is also selling out "Virtual Beauties 2020 ver 2.0" for $3. It's a nice large format paperback with 176 color pages, with mostly full-size images. I've placed a number of orders through Akadot without problems. Both books are also available through Amazon through third party sellers. Amazon also has Digital Beauties in hardcover for $3.50 and $4.00 shipping--this is an over inch thick book all in color, but the quality of the digital characters range from great to what can be found in the galleries here.
 

The whole Japanese cultural relationship to comics, anime etc. is so different  - perhaps unique - that I'm not sure you'll ever see an exact equivalent in the U.S. The closest thing to a 3D "idol" I can think of was the Lara Croft craze. I recall one commercial where she was used I think for something like Best Buy.

"The current popularity of 3D movies may well result in a 3D female character being popular enough to be spun off into a different promotional venue."

That might well happen, though I think it would be difficult for a character to appeal beyond the audience for a particular film or game. A popular character like Mickey Mouse can achieve a lot of presence, though still mostly aimed at children. I assume that sex appeal is a big part of the 3D idols popularity. I think Americans still associate cartoons/comics etc. with children, so for the most part, they can't be too sexy. They had to tone down Betty Boop and there were complaints about comic characters like Blondie being too suggestive. I'm sure Jessica Rabbit probably had her critics as well.

I've read that in Japan, men sleep with pillows emblazoned with the likeness of their favorite anime girls and one guy started an online petition to be allowed to officially marry his idol. Dolls of characters with various - er  - capabilities are also popular. I'm not sure that level of enthusiasm or acceptance of such characters by adults is transferable outside Japan. Maybe the closest thing to that level 3D female idol worship exists here in the world of Poser with Vicky in all her various guises. She's certainly had a boatload of money spent on her and I would not be surprised if she has broken up at least one or two relationships.