Kabosu, the beloved Shiba Inu who became the iconic face of the renowned “Doge” meme and the Dogecoin memecoin, peacefully passed away on May 24. The dog’s owner, Atsuko Sato, announced the news on her official blog, expressing her profound gratitude for the love and support Kabosu received over the years. To honor “Kabo-chan,” there will be a farewell party held at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita City on May 26.
The crypto community and Kabosu’s fans have expressed their condolences, sharing tributes and cherished memories of the dog who became an internet legend. Kabosu’s legacy as the symbol 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 shared photos of her adopted dog on her blog. One particular image of Kabosu, featuring a skeptical and inquisitive expression, quickly went viral and gave birth to the “Doge” meme. This single image, accompanied by phrases in broken English and the Comic Sans font, became a cornerstone of internet culture.
In 2013, the popularity of the iconic meme soared when Dogecoin was created, adopting Kabosu’s image as its official logo. Initially intended as a joke, Dogecoin evolved into a widely embraced cryptocurrency that has supported numerous charitable initiatives, including clean water projects and funding for the Jamaican bobsled team.
In December 2022, Sato shared the concerning news about Kabosu’s declining health, which garnered overwhelming support from the crypto community. Notably, co-creator of Dogecoin Billy Markus, also known as Shibetoshi Nakamoto, urged his followers to offer their support, leading to one generous individual offering to cover any expenses necessary for Kabosu’s treatment.
Kabosu’s influence even extended to political campaigns, highlighting the significant role of memes in modern culture. For instance, United States President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign hired a “master of memes” to manage relationships with digital media companies, podcasts, and various meme pages on social media platforms.
As we bid farewell to Kabosu, her impact on the meme movement, crypto culture, and beyond will forever be cherished.