Shiba Inu token (ticker: SHIB) is a decentralizedcryptocurrency created in August 2020 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym "Ryoshi".[1] It is inspired by the Shiba Inu (柴犬), a Japanese dog breed, which also serves as the mascot for Dogecoin, another cryptocurrency with meme origins. Some[who?] categorize Shiba Inu as a "meme coin."[2][3] Concerns have been expressed about the concentration of the coin with a single "whale" wallet controlling billions of dollars' worth of the token, and frenzied buying by retail investors motivated by fear of missing out (FOMO).[4] Shiba Inu was introduced with a branding that positioned it as a potential 'Dogecoin competitor'.[1]
In October 2021, the market price of the cryptocurrency experienced a significant rise, reportedly increasing by 240% within a week.[7] However, at the beginning of November, it faced a decline, reportedly losing approximately 55% of its value by the end of the month.[8][9][10]