Life for Nichiko Himukai has been complicated. In her 34 years of life, Nichiko has had to deal with purposelessness, loneliness, loss, and a rough family upbringing; her family life being so turbulent that she relocated to Tokyo. Yet she finds herself returning to her old island home after getting a call from a relative concerned about her father, whose alcoholism has left his health in dire straits.

As she decides to take care of her father during his last days, Nichiko meets Chimaki, a 23 year-old man who is always enthusiastic to help others as well as cheerful—most of all, he reminds her dearly of her childhood dog. In no time at all, Nichiko finds her life brightening and wishes to spend more time with Chimaki. But like Nichiko, Chimaki has a past that cannot be simply punched and pushed away, which may possibly initiate a relationship between the two of them.

Inu to Sandbag was published in English as Dogs and Punching Bags by Kodansha USA under the Vertical Comics imprint as a 2-in-1 omnibus on January 21, 2025.