Cover image via U.Today
Kabosu, the Shiba Inu who became the iconic face of Dogecoin and a beloved meme figure, has passed away in Japan at the age of 19. Her owner, Atsuko Sato, shared the heartbreaking news, marking the end of an era for the meme community and cryptocurrency enthusiasts worldwide.
Kabosu's internet fame began in 2010 when photos of her went viral, inspiring the creation of the "Doge" meme. This meme, characterized by Kabosu's expressive face and humorous captions in broken English, rapidly spread across the internet, becoming a cultural phenomenon. In 2013, Kabosu's image was adopted as the mascot for Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency initially launched as a joke but quickly evolved into a significant player in the crypto market.
"Today, Kabosu, our community's shared friend and inspiration, peacefully passed in the arms of her person. The impact this one dog has made across the world is immeasurable. She was a being who knew only happiness and limitless love. Please keep her spirit and her family in..." - Dogecoin (@dogecoin), May 24, 2024
Dogecoin's official Twitter account paid tribute to Kabosu, highlighting her immeasurable impact on the world. They noted that she was a symbol of happiness and love, whose spirit touched and shaped many lives globally. DOGE to USD by CoinMarketCap
Since its launch over a decade ago, Dogecoin (DOGE) has achieved significant milestones, becoming the eighth largest cryptocurrency with a market capitalization of $22.85 billion and a daily turnover in the billions. The popularity and success of Dogecoin can be largely attributed to Kabosu's endearing presence on its logo, which captured the hearts of many.
Dogecoin's influence extended beyond just being a meme. Kabosu played a crucial role in uniting a diverse community of cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Without her, the landscape of meme-based cryptocurrencies, a sector now worth $58 billion, might not exist.