Key Insights:
- Kabosu’s side-eyed look became the iconic “doge” meme, influencing internet culture and even cryptocurrency.
- Atsuko Sato, Kabosu’s owner, announced her peaceful passing and plans a heartfelt farewell party in her honor.
- Kabosu’s legacy lives on through Dogecoin, NFTs, and a bronze statue in her hometown, celebrating her widespread impact.
Kabosu, the Shiba Inu whose distinctive expression became the face of the popular “doge” meme, has passed away. Her owner, Atsuko Sato, a kindergarten teacher from Sakura, Japan, shared the news on her blog, expressing her sorrow and gratitude for the time they spent together. Kabosu’s image, which first gained widespread attention in 2013, has left a lasting impact on internet culture and beyond.
Kabosu rose to fame with a viral image that showcased her side-eyed, quizzical look. This photograph, taken in 2010 and later posted on Sato’s blog, quickly spread across Tumblr and various online chatrooms. By 2013, the picture had evolved into the “doge” meme, characterized by colorful captions in Comic Sans font. Phrases like “wow,” “amaze,” and “such wow” became synonymous with the image, intended to mimic the dog’s humorous internal monologue.
The meme’s popularity extended far beyond the internet. It became a tool for social commentary, with users adapting the format to comment on current events, pop culture, and even political matters. In 2014, Stockholm’s public transport authority used the meme in an advertising campaign, further cementing Kabosu’s place in global popular culture.
A Touching Farewell
Atsuko Sato announced Kabosu’s passing through a poem on her blog. She described how Kabosu passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by love. “She quietly passed away as if asleep while I caressed her,” Sato wrote. She also mentioned plans for a farewell party to be held on Sunday in honor of “Kabo-chan,” reflecting the deep bond they shared.
In her blog post, Sato expressed her belief that Kabosu had lived a happy life filled with love and joy. “I think Kabo-chan was the happiest dog in the world. And I was the happiest owner,” she wrote. This sentiment was echoed by many fans and followers, who shared their condolences and memories of the beloved Shiba Inu.
Kabosu’s Enduring Legacy
Kabosu’s influence extended beyond memes. Her image became the face of Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that started as a joke but gained substantial value and popularity. In 2021, an NFT of Kabosu’s iconic image sold for $4 million, highlighting her continued relevance in the digital age. Dogecoin’s official account on X paid tribute to Kabosu, describing her as a being who knew only happiness and limitless love.
In her hometown of Sakura, Kabosu’s legacy is cherished. The doge image appears on manhole covers, and a bronze statue of Kabosu was unveiled earlier this year, funded by donations from fans worldwide. This statue stands as a testament to the widespread affection and admiration for the Shiba Inu, who brought joy to so many.
A Life of Miracles and Gratitude
Kabosu’s journey from a rescue dog to an internet sensation is remarkable. According to Sato, Kabosu was once close to being put down before finding a home with her. Since then, Kabosu’s presence brought a series of “miraculous things,” enriching Sato’s life with countless priceless moments.
Despite her internet fame, Sato remained humble and somewhat baffled by the global attention Kabosu received. In a 2020 interview with Know Your Meme, Sato recounted how the viral photo was just one of many she took daily. “Kabosu loves having her photo taken, so she was delighted to have the camera pointed towards her,” she explained. Even with the internet fame, Sato emphasized that Kabosu remained the same loving companion who accompanied her to work at the kindergarten.
In 2020, Kabosu was diagnosed with leukemia and liver disease. Despite these health challenges, Sato credited the “invisible power” of prayers from Kabosu’s fans for helping her beloved pet pull through. Kabosu’s resilience and the support from her global fanbase exemplify the deep connection people felt with the iconic Shiba Inu.
Editorial credit: Peace-loving / Shutterstock.com
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