Kabosu, the beloved Shiba Inu who stole the hearts of millions as the iconic “Doge” meme and the mascot of Dogecoin, peacefully passed away on May 24. Atsuko Sato, Kabosu’s owner, shared the sad news on her official blog, expressing her heartfelt gratitude for the love and support shown to Kabosu throughout the years. In honor of “Kabo-chan,” a farewell party will be held at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita City, on May 26.
The crypto community and fans of Kabosu have come together to offer their condolences, sharing tributes and fond memories of the dog who became an internet sensation.
Kabosu’s legacy as the face of crypto culture and Dogecoin (DOGE) will continue to represent the spirit of community and inspire future generations of meme culture.
Kabosu first gained fame in 2010 when Sato posted photos of her adopted dog on her blog. One particular image of Kabosu, showcasing a skeptical and curious expression, quickly went viral, giving birth to the “Doge” meme. This single image, combined with broken English phrases and the Comic Sans font, became a cornerstone of internet culture.
By 2013, the popularity of the meme skyrocketed after the creation of Dogecoin, which adopted Kabosu’s image as its official logo. Despite starting as a joke, Dogecoin became a popular cryptocurrency known for its charitable initiatives, including funding clean water projects and supporting the Jamaican bobsled team.
In December 2022, Sato revealed that Kabosu’s health was in a precarious state, prompting an outpouring of support from the crypto community. Dogecoin co-creator Billy Markus, also known as Shibetoshi Nakamoto, urged his followers to send their support, leading one generous user to offer financial assistance for Kabosu’s treatment.
Kabosu’s impact even extended to political campaigns, highlighting the significant role of memes in modern culture. For instance, United States President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign announced the hiring of a “master of memes.” This position would be responsible for managing relationships with digital media companies, podcasts, and various meme pages on social media platforms.
Overall, Kabosu’s influence on the meme movement cannot be overstated. The legacy of this adorable Shiba Inu will forever be remembered and cherished by internet users worldwide.