Kabosu, the Shiba Inu who became a global sensation as the face of the Doge meme and Dogecoin, has passed away at the age of 18. Kabosu’s owner, Atsuko Sato, shared the sad news on May 24, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support over the years.
Sato announced that a farewell party for Kabosu, lovingly called “Kabo-chan,” will be held at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita City, on May 26. The crypto community and fans worldwide have been sharing their condolences and favorite memories of the dog who became an internet legend.
Kabosu first gained fame in 2010 when Sato posted photos of her on her blog. One particular image, showing Kabosu with a skeptical and curious expression, went viral and became the iconic “Doge” meme. This meme, featuring phrases in broken English and Comic Sans font, quickly became a cornerstone of internet culture.
In 2013, the Doge meme’s popularity skyrocketed with the creation of Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency using Kabosu’s image as its logo. Although originally intended as a joke, Dogecoin grew into a widely recognized cryptocurrency, funding various charitable initiatives, such as clean water projects and the Jamaican bobsled team.
Kabosu’s health had been a concern since December 2022, when Sato revealed that she was in a critical condition. The crypto community rallied, with Dogecoin co-creator Billy Markus, known as Shibetoshi Nakamoto, and many others offering support and help with medical expenses.
Kabosu’s influence extended beyond memes and crypto, even impacting political campaigns. For example, U.S. President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign hired a “master of memes” to manage relationships with digital media and meme pages, highlighting the importance of meme culture in modern politics.
Kabosu’s legacy will endure, symbolizing the spirit of the crypto community and inspiring future generations of meme enthusiasts.