The “world’s most famous Shiba Inu” passed away on May 24. On May 26, Atsuko Sato, 62, a nursery teacher and the dog’s owner, held a memorial service for the dog, Kabosu, at a flower shop in Narita, Chiba, where many fans mourned the loss.
“She was like a life partner.” At the farewell party, Sato reflected on her memories of Kabosu over the past 15 years. The memorial service was held at a flower shop in Narita City. She said she held the meeting at a flower shop rather than at home with her cat, as she wanted her to go to heaven surrounded by flowers.
At the venue, a queue of over 50 fans had formed by 1pm, when the event began, to say their final goodbyes, and foreign media from UAE and Germany were also there. Kabosu photos, handmade stuffed animals and photo panels were set up, and some people wore Kabosu T-shirts.
Belgian-born designer Dion, 30, said he found out about Kabosu online when he was around high school age; he had given Sato a kabosu painting as a present after he came to Japan seven years ago.
