QUICK TAKE

• Kabosu, the Shiba Inu that became the face of dogecoin, passed away at the age of 18.
• The viral meme of Kabosu led to the creation of dogecoin, the largest memecoin by market capitalization.
• Kabosu’s influence extended to other dog-themed memecoins like Shiba Inu and Floki.

Kabosu, the beloved Shiba Inu whose iconic image became the face of dogecoin, passed away on the morning of May 24 at the estimated age of 18, as confirmed by its owner in a heartfelt blog post. Kabosu’s peaceful passing was noted by the official dogecoin account on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the immense impact the dog had on the world.

“Today, Kabosu, our community’s shared friend and inspiration, peacefully passed, in the arms of her person,” the dogecoin account shared on Friday. “The impact this one dog has made across the world is immeasurable.”

Kabosu’s journey to fame began in the early 2010s when her image went viral, sparking the creation of dogecoin (DOGE) in 2013. Originally conceived as a joke, dogecoin quickly grew into a major player in the cryptocurrency world, becoming the largest memecoin by market capitalization. Its success inspired the creation of several other popular dog-themed memecoins, such as Shiba Inu and Floki.

Dogecoin’s community often points to Kabosu’s meme as a catalyst that brought humor and light-heartedness to the often serious world of cryptocurrency. The memecoin’s logo, featuring Kabosu’s quizzical and endearing expression, became a symbol of an internet culture phenomenon that transcended digital borders.

In the last 24 hours, dogecoin saw trading volumes exceed $2.87 billion, according to CoinMarketCap, showcasing the ongoing popularity and influence of the memecoin. Kabosu’s passing has reignited conversations about the cultural and financial impacts of internet memes on the digital currency landscape.

Kabosu’s owner expressed gratitude for the global outpouring of love and support in a blog post, announcing a memorial ceremony to celebrate the life of the iconic Shiba Inu. The ceremony will be held on Sunday at Flower Kaori in Kotsu no Mori, Narita City, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Fans and well-wishers from around the world are expected to pay their respects to the dog that brought joy and inspiration to so many.

The story of Kabosu and dogecoin is a testament to the power of internet culture and the unexpected ways in which it can influence and create new trends. Dogecoin started as a meme but evolved into a substantial and widely recognized digital currency, largely due to the viral appeal of Kabosu’s image.

Kabosu’s legacy extends beyond just cryptocurrency. Her image has been a symbol of positivity, community, and the unifying power of the internet. From charitable donations to funding sports teams and even space missions, the dogecoin community has used its influence for various impactful causes, often rallying around the spirit of Kabosu’s endearing meme.

As the crypto world mourns the loss of Kabosu, it also celebrates the legacy she leaves behind. The Shiba Inu’s image will continue to inspire and remind everyone of the humble beginnings of one of the most iconic cryptocurrencies in the world. Kabosu’s life may have ended, but her influence and the community she helped build will endure, continuing to shape the future of digital currencies and internet culture.

In conclusion, Kabosu’s passing marks the end of an era for dogecoin and its community, but her spirit lives on through the continued success and impact of the memecoin she inspired. The memorial service will provide a space for fans to honor her memory and reflect on the joy and inspiration she brought to countless people across the globe.