Doge Meme Icon and Dogecoin Mascot Kabosu Passes Away at 18
Iconic dog Kabosu, known for being the face of the Doge meme and the Dogecoin mascot, has sadly passed away at the age of 17 on May 25. The news has prompted online communities to take a moment to remember and honor Kabosu’s life.
The owner of Kabosu, Atsuko Sato, shared the news on her official blog, expressing her heartfelt gratitude for the love and support she has received over the years. Despite Kabosu’s health being in a precarious state in 2022, Sato revealed that her passing was peaceful and free of suffering.
Describing the moment, Sato said, “Soft light streamed in through the window, amidst the beautiful morning where birds sing, she gently passed away, as if falling asleep, while being stroked by me.” In honor of “Kabo-chan,” a farewell gathering is scheduled for May 26 at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita City.
The news of Kabosu’s passing has had a profound impact on the internet, bringing together various communities such as pop culture, meme culture, and crypto culture to mourn the loss. Kabosu has left an indelible mark on the history of the internet.
From a simple meme to a cryptocurrency legend, Kabosu’s journey has been remarkable. In 2010, Kabosu gained widespread attention when Sato shared photos of her adopted dog on her blog. One particular image of Kabosu, with her skeptical and curious expression, quickly went viral and gave birth to the “Doge” meme phenomenon.
This iconic image, accompanied by broken English phrases, became a cornerstone of early meme culture. In 2013, the popularity of the meme skyrocketed when Dogecoin was created, using Kabosu’s image as its official logo.
Although initially intended as a joke, Dogecoin became a widely popular cryptocurrency. It was associated with numerous charitable initiatives, including funding clean water projects and supporting the Jamaican bobsled team.
Kabosu’s influence also normalized the concept of meme coins in the crypto space, leading to the rise of other popular meme coins. Many of these coins adopted the Shiba Inu as their mascot, paying homage to the original meme that sparked the trend.
In 2023, the original Doge image was turned into an NFT and sold for a staggering 1,696 ETH, equivalent to $4 million. Since then, the NFT has been divided into billions of smaller, tradable units for fractional ownership.
Kabosu’s impact even extends to political campaigns. Recently, United States President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign announced the hiring of a “master of memes,” showcasing the enduring influence of meme culture.
The crypto community and fans of Kabosu have been sharing their condolences, tributes, and cherished memories of the dog that became an internet legend. The official Shiba Inu token, a competitor to Dogecoin, tweeted a heartfelt tribute, highlighting Kabosu’s significant contribution to the world of crypto.
When news of Kabosu’s illness was shared, Dogecoin co-creator Billy Markus called for support from his followers. One generous individual even offered to cover any expenses necessary to ensure Kabosu received the best treatment.
Kabosu’s legacy as the face of crypto culture will continue to symbolize the spirit of community and inspire future generations of meme enthusiasts.
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