Kuma, the Shiba Inu pup once sold for 4 BNB in Japan, now a crypto legend. Photo: ECHANNEL

Kuma the Dog: The Pup Once Sold for 4 BNB in Japan Becomes a Crypto Legend

A Puppy Paid for in Binance Coin

The story of Kuma begins in Osaka, where a Shiba Inu pup was purchased from a local breeder in 2018 for 4 Binance Coin (BNB). At the time, the tokens were worth only a few dozen dollars. The unusual transaction, meant more as an experiment than a business deal, would later become a piece of crypto folklore.

The breeder admitted he wasn’t sure if the coins would ever have value, but the buyer—an early Binance supporter—saw it as a symbolic step, proving digital currency could represent real-world value, even for something as personal as a pet.

Crypto Twitter Finds a Mascot

Photos of Kuma, a bright-eyed Shiba Inu with fluffy ears, quickly spread across social media. Memes compared him to Doge, the famous Shiba Inu of Dogecoin fame. Users dubbed Kuma “Binance Doge v2” and even a “living NFT,” exchanged before NFTs were a trend.

During bull runs, the story resurfaces: “Remember the 4-BNB dog?” fans ask, posting mock charts of Kuma’s “market cap” and joking that he’s one of crypto’s greatest investments.

The Value of 4 BNB Today

When Kuma was sold, 4 BNB equaled the price of a simple meal. Today, that same amount is worth thousands of dollars, depending on the market. While the crypto world debates whether Kuma was the “most expensive puppy in Japan,” his owner insists: “He’s family. His value isn’t in coins—it’s in loyalty.”

A Symbol of Early Adoption

Blockchain researchers say Kuma’s story highlights the experimental spirit of early crypto adoption. That a Shiba Inu in Japan became tied to a Binance Coin purchase feels fitting—part of the broader culture that turned playful experiments into iconic legends.

Life as a Crypto Pup

Now grown, Kuma lives a comfortable life with his owner, who occasionally shares photos in Telegram and Discord groups. In one image, he’s curled next to a Binance hoodie; in another, he naps beside a glowing green candlestick chart.

The Legacy of Kuma

From a small Osaka breeder to worldwide crypto memes, Kuma the Dog has earned a lasting place in blockchain history. His tale proves that some of the most enduring crypto stories aren’t about charts or tokens, but about companionship, loyalty, and a Shiba Inu with a very unusual price tag.