Joma

Kabosu, the Shiba Inu that became the symbol of Dogecoin, is a well-loved figure both in internet culture and among crypto enthusiasts. Born in 2005, Kabosu's life began far from fame and memes. She was initially raised in a puppy farm—a place where dogs are bred in large numbers, often in unfavorable conditions. However, fate had different plans for her.

When the puppy farm was shut down, Kabosu was one of many dogs rescued and sent to shelters across Japan. Her path eventually led her to a shelter where a kind-hearted volunteer decided to name her after a citrus fruit: Kabosu. The name reflects her round, adorable face and friendly demeanor, which reminded her rescuer of the Japanese kabosu fruit. However, this was not her first name—at the puppy farm, she was known as Joma.

Before becoming Kabosu, this beloved dog had a lesser-known name: Joma. At the puppy farm, Joma was just one of many dogs without a clear future. Yet, despite this rough beginning, she found a new name, a new home, and ultimately, a new identity that would make her one of the most famous animals in internet history.

Joma’s story reminds us of the importance of origin stories in defining who we become. While “Joma” has faded into the background, it remains a part of Kabosu’s past, reflecting the obstacles she overcame on her way to becoming an internet icon.

And now, a small crypto-meme community is embracing an origin story, aiming to blend it with internet meme culture by integrating it into the world of cryptocurrency.