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Dog Signal
First tankōbon volume cover
GenreSlice of life[1]
Manga
Written bySaya Miyauchi
Published byKadokawa
ImprintBridge Comics
MagazineComic Bridge
Original runJuly 24, 2018 – present
Volumes14
Anime television series
Directed byKazuhiro Furuhashi
Written bySatomi Ashino
Music byMichiru Ōshima
StudioFugaku
Licensed by
Original networkNHK Educational TV
Original run October 22, 2023 – March 17, 2024
Episodes20
icon Anime and manga portal

Dog Signal (stylized in all caps) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Saya Miyauchi. It has been serialised on Kadokawa's josei manga website Comic Bridge since July 2018, with its chapters collected into 14 tankōbon volumes as of October 2025. An anime television series adaptation produced by Fugaku aired from October 2023 to March 2024.

Characters

[edit]
Miyu Samura (佐村 未祐, Samura Miyu)
Voiced by: Kensho Ono[2]
Shinichiro Niwa (丹羽 眞一郎, Niwa Shinichirō)
Voiced by: Kenichi Suzumura[2]
Ritsuka Izumi (泉 律佳, Izumi Ritsuka)
Voiced by: Yūko Kaida[2]
Suzunosuke Kubo (久宝 鈴之介, Kubō Suzunosuke)
Voiced by: Kenn[2]
Sanju (サンジュ)
Voiced by: Anna Mugiho [ja][3]
Woolson (ウルソン, Uruson)
Voiced by: Kenichirou Matsuda[3]
Yūko (優子)
Voiced by: Mariya Ise[3]

Media

[edit]

Manga

[edit]

Written and illustrated by Saya Miyauchi, Dog Signal began serialization on Kadokawa's josei manga[4] website Comic Bridge on July 24, 2018.[5] As of October 2025, 14 tankōbon volumes have been released.[6]

Volumes

[edit]
No. Japanese release date Japanese ISBN
1 January 8, 2019[7]978-4-04-065411-9
2 August 8, 2019[8]978-4-04-064012-9
3 February 7, 2020[9]978-4-04-064382-3
4 August 7, 2020[10]978-4-04-064845-3
5 March 8, 2021[11]978-4-04-680250-7
6 September 8, 2021[12]978-4-04-680784-7
7 March 8, 2022[13]978-4-04-681207-0
8 January 24, 2023[14]978-4-04-682052-5
9 February 8, 2023[15]978-4-04-682130-0
10 October 6, 2023[16]978-4-04-682645-9
11 March 8, 2024[17]978-4-04-683183-5
12 October 8, 2024[18]978-4-04-684242-8
13 March 7, 2025[19]978-4-04-684761-4
14 October 8, 2025[6]978-4-04-685357-8

Anime

[edit]

An anime television series adaptation was announced on January 20, 2023.[1][20] The series is produced by Fugaku and directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, with scripts written by Satomi Ashino, and music composed by Michiru Ōshima.[2][3] It aired on NHK Educational TV from October 22, 2023, to March 17, 2024.[21][22] The opening theme song is "Setsugetsu Fūka" (雪月風花; lit. 'Snow, Moon, Wind, Flowers') by Yu Takahashi, while the ending theme song is "Sugar Spot" (シュガースポット) by Nishina.[3][23] Medialink licensed the series in South and Southeast Asia, and streamed it on YouTube via Ani-One Asia.[24]

Episodes

[edit]
No.TitleDirected byStoryboarded byChief animation director(s)Original release date [22]
1"Homeless with You"
Transliteration: "Tomodaore na Bokura" (共倒れなボクら)		-Kazuhiro FuruhashiIzumi Yamanaka & Kyouko Kametani [ja]October 22, 2023 (2023-10-22)
2"Your New Name"
Transliteration: "Atarashii Namae" (新しい名前)		-Nagisa Miyazaki [ja]SAI & Ye ZengyaoOctober 29, 2023 (2023-10-29)
3"Living in Bliss"
Transliteration: "Shiawase na Kurashi" (幸せな暮らし)		Hiroshi Kimura [ja]Hitoyuki Matsui [ja]Izumi YamanakaNovember 5, 2023 (2023-11-05)
4"Spinning Dog"
Transliteration: "Mawaru Inu" (回る犬)		Kana KawanaKana KawanaKyouko Kametani, Hiroko Shigekuni & Izumi YamanakaNovember 12, 2023 (2023-11-12)
5"Farewell Ceremony"
Transliteration: "Wakare no Gishiki" (別れの儀式)		Yuuki NishiyamaNagisa MiyazakiYuki Ikeda & Takuya ImakadoNovember 19, 2023 (2023-11-19)
6"Niwa's Teacher"
Transliteration: "Niwa no Shishou" (丹羽の師匠)		Hitoyuki MatsuiHitoyuki MatsuiLi Shaolei & Liu YunliuNovember 26, 2023 (2023-11-26)
7"Things I Want to Protect"
Transliteration: "Mamoritai Mono" (守りたいもの)		Kazuya FujishiroToshihiko MasudaKyouko Kametani & Izumi YamanakaDecember 3, 2023 (2023-12-03)
8"Exclusive"
Transliteration: "Hitorijime" (ひとりじめ)		Michita ShiraishiKana KawanaLi Shaolei & Liu YunliuDecember 10, 2023 (2023-12-10)
9"Sanju, Sit!!"
Transliteration: "Sanju, Osuwari!!" (サンジュ、おすわり！)		Hiroshi KimuraSusumu NishizawaKyouko Kametani & Izumi YamanakaDecember 17, 2023 (2023-12-17)
10"Reasons Not to Eat"
Transliteration: "Tabenai Wake" (食べないワケ)		Kazuya FujishiroNagisa Miyazaki-December 24, 2023 (2023-12-24)
11"No Disciplining?"
Transliteration: "Shitsuke wo Shinai?" (しつけをしない?)		Shinichi FukumotoToshihiko MasudaKyouko Kametani & Izumi YamanakaJanuary 7, 2024 (2024-01-07)
12"Miyu's Partner"
Transliteration: "Miyu no Partner" (未祐のパートナー)		Tsutomu MurakamiMasatoshi Hakata-January 14, 2024 (2024-01-14)
13"Confidence"
Transliteration: "Shinjiru Kokoro" (信じる心)		Kana KawanaKana KawanaKyouko Kametani & Izumi YamanakaJanuary 28, 2024 (2024-01-28)
14"The Truth About Rocky"
Transliteration: "Rokki no Shinjitsu" (ロッキーの真実)		Hodaka KuramotoNagisa MiyazakiHuang Jiaxin & Hang XinhuaFebruary 4, 2024 (2024-02-04)
15"The Old Man and the Old Dog"
Transliteration: "Ojisan to Rōken" (おじさんと老犬)		Fukutarou HattoriAkimi Fudesaka-February 11, 2024 (2024-02-11)
16"It's All My Fault"
Transliteration: "Watashi no Seida" (私のせいだ)		Yuuki NishiyamaHiromitsu Kanazawa [ja]Takuya Imakado & Ye ChengyaoFebruary 18, 2024 (2024-02-18)
17"Izumi Ritsuka's Sister"
Transliteration: "Izumi Ritsuka no Imōto" (泉津佳の妹)		Kazuya FujishiroSusumu NishizawaKyouko Kametani & Izumi YamanakaFebruary 25, 2024 (2024-02-25)
18"The Comic Artist and the Shiba Inu"
Transliteration: "Mangaka to Shiba Inu" (漫画家と柴犬)		Masayoshi KawaiTooru Yoshida [ja]-March 3, 2024 (2024-03-03)
19"The Smiles of Two"
Transliteration: "Futari no Hokorobi" (ふたりのほころび)		Fukutarou HattoriNagisa Miyazaki-March 10, 2024 (2024-03-10)
20"We Are Family"
Transliteration: "Bokura wa Kazoku" (ボクらは家族)		Masahito OtaniTakeshi Mori & Kazuhiro FuruhashiYe Changyao, Liu Yunliu & Hang XinhuaMarch 17, 2024 (2024-03-17)

Reception

[edit]

In 2021, the manga was nominated for the Next Manga Awards in the digital category.[25]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dog Signal

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dog Signal (stylized as DOG SIGNAL) is a Japanese educational slice-of-life series written and illustrated by Saya Miyauchi, focusing on , human-animal bonds, and personal growth through interactions with canines and their owners. The story follows protagonist Samura, an indecisive young man who unexpectedly inherits a toy named from his ex-girlfriend and struggles to care for it. After a chance encounter during a walk, Miyu meets professional dog trainer Shinichirou Niwa and his well-behaved standard , leading him to join Niwa's studio, Proud Dog, as a rookie trainer. There, Miyu collaborates with pet groomer Ritsuka Izumi and veterinarian Suzunosuke Kubou, learning practical skills in dog care while helping various clients and their pets, which transforms his own life and relationships. Serialization began on Kadokawa Corporation's platform, Comic Bridge, on July 24, 2018, and the series remains ongoing, with fourteen volumes published as of October 2025. The emphasizes realistic techniques, such as positive reinforcement and understanding canine behavior, making it a valuable resource for pet owners alongside its narrative appeal. In 2023, Dog Signal received an anime adaptation co-produced by and NHK Enterprises, directed by at Fugaku. The 20-episode series, each approximately 25 minutes long, aired on NHK's educational channel NHK-E from October 22, 2023, to March 17, 2024, and has been praised for its wholesome storytelling and informative content on pet responsibility.

Overview

Premise

Dog Signal centers on Miyu Samura, an indecisive young man who inherits a dog from his ex-girlfriend and faces challenges in caring for it, prompting him to seek help from professional dog trainer Shinichirou Niwa. This encounter marks the beginning of Miyu's journey into dog training, where Niwa's expertise guides him through various canine care issues. The narrative unfolds as Miyu applies these lessons to real-world situations, gradually building his confidence and skills. The story is set in contemporary , primarily within urban and suburban locales that highlight everyday dog ownership experiences. Key scenes revolve around facilities, neighborhood parks, and routine walks, emphasizing practical environments where human-canine interactions occur. These settings ground the plot in relatable, modern Japanese daily life, avoiding fantastical elements. At its core, the series serves an educational purpose by integrating scenarios to illustrate the deepening bonds between humans and dogs. Each chapter or arc typically focuses on a distinct behavioral challenge or training method, offering insights into proper pet care techniques. Through Niwa's "miracle-working" approach, the conveys how understanding canine needs fosters mutual growth and harmony.

Themes and Genre

Dog Signal is a slice-of-life educational targeted at the josei demographic, focusing on adult women while maintaining broad appeal through its emphasis on canine companionship and training. The series blends everyday narratives with instructional elements on care, incorporating subtle drama and hints of interpersonal dynamics among its adult cast. Serialized on Kadokawa's Comic Bridge platform, it stands out in the josei genre by prioritizing relatable, pet-centered stories over intense romantic or fantastical plots. Central to the narrative are themes of human-animal relationships, portraying not merely as pets but as catalysts for emotional connection and mutual understanding between owners and their animals. The story highlights personal growth through the responsibilities of pet ownership, as seen in protagonist Miyu Samura's journey from an indecisive novice to a more confident . This development uses dog training analogies to illustrate overcoming personal hesitations, underscoring how caring for another being fosters self-improvement and resilience. Educationally, Dog Signal integrates real-world principles, such as positive reinforcement and interpreting canine body language, in an accessible manner suitable for its josei readership. These elements are woven into episodic tales of client consultations at the training center, providing practical insights without overwhelming the slice-of-life tone. A distinctive motif ties into the title, where "dog signals"—subtle behavioral cues from dogs—serve as metaphors for recognizing emotional needs in human interactions, enhancing the series' exploration of and communication.

Production

Development and Inspiration

Saya Miyauchi, a with over three decades of experience, debuted in 1988 with Kodansha's and has since specialized in stories involving human-animal bonds, including dog-themed works like Eien no Wiz (a narrative) and Kimi no Kokoro Boku no Kokoro (about therapy dogs). Her deep personal connection to dogs stems from a lifelong ownership, beginning with a mixed-breed named Pero in childhood and including a gifted by her breeder uncle during high school. Miyauchi also holds a JKC B-grade groomer license, having graduated from the Royal Grooming Academy and worked professionally as a pet groomer, where she found fulfillment in assisting dogs and their owners while observing canine behaviors firsthand. The inspiration for Dog Signal draws heavily from Miyauchi's real-life experiences with her dogs, particularly her Toy Poodle "Aniki" (2008–2023) and Standard Poodle "Bojan" (2008–2024), which served as models for the characters and Ulson in the series. Personal anecdotes, such as developing for Bojan during a period of temporary , directly informed specific episodes, like the sixth chapter, highlighting practical adaptations in dog-human communication. Miyauchi's observations from grooming and ownership fueled her interest in canine psychology, emphasizing natural dog traits over and aiming to create an that promotes understanding bonds through positive reinforcement and everyday interactions. Development of Dog Signal followed years of rejections for dog-focused manga proposals, with Miyauchi nearly abandoning the idea before submitting what she considered her final pitch in 2018. This led to a pivotal collaboration with editor Yoshiki Miyanouchi at Kadokawa, who encouraged shifting an initial concept involving erotic elements to a dedicated dog-training story, resulting in the 's web serialization launch on Comic Bridge in July 2018. The timeline reflects Miyauchi's intent to blend with practical advice on dog care, drawing from her grooming background to address common owner challenges. Key creative decisions included targeting the josei demographic to resonate with working women facing relatable daily stresses, amplified by therapeutic dog interactions that foster growth and emotional support. Miyauchi prioritized realistic portrayals of dog movements and behaviors, a focus she later emphasized during the anime adaptation to ensure authenticity in depicting human-dog relationships.

Manga Serialization

Dog Signal began serialization on Kadokawa's digital platform Comic Bridge on July 24, 2018, and continues to be published digitally on a regular basis as of November 2025. Written and illustrated by Saya Miyauchi, the series features chapters released online first, which are later compiled into volumes under Kadokawa's Bridge Comics imprint. As of October 8, 2025, fourteen volumes have been released, with the series maintaining an ongoing status. The publication has encountered occasional hiatuses, including a longer interval between volumes 7 and 8 spanning 2022–2023. Volume releases followed a semi-annual pattern in the early years, starting with the first volume on January 8, 2019, and continuing through volumes 2 to 6 between August 2019 and September 2021. Subsequent volumes adopted a more annual cadence, such as volume 7 in March 2022, volume 8 in January 2023, volume 13 in March 2025, and volume 14 in October 2025, reflecting adjustments possibly influenced by production factors. Structurally, the employs an episodic format, with each chapter or multi-part story focusing on self-contained narratives involving specific challenges, such as addressing phobias or behavioral issues through practical techniques. These segments provide educational insights into canine psychology and training methods while advancing an overarching arc of protagonist Samura's development from novice to skilled trainer. This approach allows for standalone readability alongside cumulative character progression, emphasizing real-world applicability drawn from the author's experiences with dogs.

Characters

Protagonists

Samura serves as one of the two central protagonists in Dog Signal, portrayed as an indecisive 23-year-old rookie dog trainer struggling with newfound responsibilities. After his ex-girlfriend abandons him, she leaves behind a toy poodle named , thrusting Miyu into the world of pet ownership despite his lack of experience and initial reluctance to care for the dog. This pivotal event marks the beginning of Miyu's transformation, as he navigates training mishaps and personal doubts while attempting to bond with Singe. Over the course of the narrative, Miyu's arc focuses on his evolution from a novice overwhelmed by the demands of dog care to a more capable and confident owner, gaining insights into responsibility and through hands-on challenges. Shinichirou Niwa, the other lead protagonist, is a confident professional dog trainer in his 30s who owns a standard named Ourson and operates his own training clinic. Encountering during a walk with , Niwa's expertise immediately impresses the young man, leading to quit his previous job and join Niwa as an assistant at the clinic. Niwa's role extends beyond technical guidance, as he balances mentoring with handling complex cases involving other s and owners, all while demonstrating a calm, authoritative demeanor rooted in years of professional experience. Beneath his assured exterior, Niwa's development reveals subtle vulnerabilities, particularly through reflections on his past inability to protect a childhood named Kuma from a tragic , which motivated his career choice and underscores his deep commitment to bridging human-canine bonds. The dynamic between and Niwa forms the emotional core of Dog Signal, characterized by a mentor-mentee relationship that highlights stark contrasts in their personalities—Miyu's hesitancy against Niwa's self-assurance—and expertise levels. This partnership drives the story forward, with Niwa's guidance helping Miyu confront his indecisiveness, while interactions with dogs like and Ourson expose Niwa's more introspective side, fostering mutual growth. Their collaboration emphasizes themes of learning and resilience, as everyday training scenarios reveal how personal flaws can be addressed through compassionate animal care.

Supporting Characters and Dogs

The supporting human characters in Dog Signal primarily consist of recurring figures who interact with the protagonists at Niwa's dog training clinic, Proud Dog, and provide episodic depth through their personal challenges and relationships. Ritsuka Izumi, a pet groomer and Niwa's childhood friend, serves as a fiery, supportive presence, often mediating conflicts and offering practical insights into animal care based on her background in animal health studies. Dr. Suzunosuke Kubō, a veterinarian who fosters and collaborates with the clinic, brings expertise on canine health issues while injecting occasional through his quirky personality and past experiences with unethical breeding practices. Clients form the bulk of secondary humans, depicted as diverse individuals like busy professionals struggling with work-life balance, elderly owners facing mobility limitations, or families navigating relational strains, all of whom seek help for their dogs' behavioral problems. Miyu's social circle includes friends like Kubō, who provide lighthearted moments amid the series' focus on , contrasting the more serious client interactions. These humans highlight real-world owner challenges, such as misinterpreting dog signals leading to or guilt, enriching the episodic structure where each case explores interpersonal dynamics alongside canine needs. The featured dogs are portrayed as central "characters" with distinct personalities, driving the narrative through their behaviors and fostering educational moments. , Miyu's toy , is an energetic and initially unruly pup left by his ex-girlfriend, whose playful antics and growth under mentorship illustrate adaptation to new environments. Ourson (Uruson), Niwa's well-behaved standard , exemplifies discipline and loyalty, often assisting in demonstrations and providing a calm to more challenging cases. Various client dogs appear across episodes, representing a range of breeds such as the independent , the affectionate , and the spirited Pomeranian, each showcasing issues like from , separation anxiety, or grief-related withdrawal. These dogs' roles emphasize their agency in storytelling, where behaviors like resource guarding or fear responses prompt resolutions that strengthen human-animal bonds, without delving into step-by-step training. Breed-specific details are woven into interactions—for instance, noting the Shiba Inu's natural aloofness or the Golden Retriever's high energy levels—to promote understanding of inherent traits, contributing to the 's educational value on .

Adaptations

Anime Series

The anime adaptation of Dog Signal was announced on January 20, 2023, by , with production handled by the studio Fugaku and direction by . The series aired from October 22, 2023, to March 18, 2024, consisting of 20 episodes, each approximately 25 minutes in length, adapting the early arcs of the while incorporating voice performances to bring the characters and dogs to life. Key voice actors include Kenshō Ono as the protagonist Miyu Samura and as the dog trainer Shinichirō Niwa, with additional casting such as as Ritsuka Izumi and KENN as Suzunosuke Kubō. The series broadcast on Sundays at 17:00 JST on in , with international availability on platforms including in select regions and Ani-One for and other areas. The original soundtrack was composed by , known for works like , featuring uplifting tones to complement the themes of dog training and personal growth, with the opening theme "Setsugetsu Fūka" performed by Yū Takahashi and the ending theme "Sugar Spot" by Nishina. The adaptation remains largely faithful to the manga's narrative, with visual enhancements to depict training sequences in motion for the animated medium. The anime adaptation has facilitated broader international reach through subtitled releases on platforms like .

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Dog Signal has garnered positive critical attention for its educational approach to and the portrayal of human-canine relationships. The manga was nominated in the digital category at the 2021 Next Manga Awards, acknowledging its innovative blend of slice-of-life storytelling with practical insights into pet ownership. User reviews on platforms like praise the series for its wholesome content and informative elements on dog care, though some note the animation as average for the adaptation.

Popularity and Impact

Dog Signal has garnered significant popularity within niche audiences, particularly among dog enthusiasts and readers. The series' educational focus on has resonated, as evidenced by Kadokawa's of a portion of manga sales from October 2023 to March 2024 to the Animal Donation nonprofit during promotional campaigns. The 2023-2024 adaptation further amplified its reach, aired on and integrated into broader educational programming, promoting responsible pet ownership and . Internationally, it has been licensed for streaming in South and Southeast Asia via Ani-One, expanding its audience beyond . Fan communities have flourished online, with active discussions on platforms like and (now X) centering on episode analyses, tips, and inspired by the series' canine characters. Pre-official licensing, international fans relied on scanlations and subtitled episodes shared on sites like , fostering grassroots enthusiasm. In terms of legacy, Dog Signal has played a key role in broadening the josei genre's scope to include educational narratives on everyday topics like pet care, blending slice-of-life storytelling with practical advice drawn from real principles. Its ongoing since 2018, with fourteen volumes published as of October 2025, and nomination for the 2021 Next Awards in the digital category underscore its enduring appeal.

References

  1. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2023/1/19/educational-manga-dog-signal-gets-tv-anime-in-fall-2023
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29796288/
  3. https://pf.nhk-ep.co.jp/detail/109257255340
  4. https://www.mangaupdates.com/series/f8ppir6/dog-signal
  5. https://myanimelist.net/anime/54294/Dog_Signal
  6. https://myanimelist.net/manga/155189/Dog_Signal
  7. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=26981
  8. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/229613?language=en-US
  9. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Manga/DogSignal
  10. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2023/9/7/educational-anime-dog-signal-premieres-on-october-22
  11. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2023/10/17/woof-down-dog-signal-anime-s-new-key-visual
  12. https://myanimelist.net/anime/54294/Dog_Signal/reviews
  13. https://www.steranet.jp/articles/-/2714
  14. https://www.animaldonation.org/blog/interview/48011/
  15. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-10-25/ani-one-philippines-adds-dog-signal-anime-in-the-philippines/.203769
  16. https://magazine.cainz.com/wanqol/articles/miyauchi_column02
  17. https://www.steranet.jp/articles/-/2766
  18. https://comic-walker.com/detail/KC_003497_S
  19. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=26980
  20. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-01-20/nhk-e-reveals-dog-signal-tv-anime-for-fall-2023/.193998
  21. https://saishinkan.work/dogsignal/
  22. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=26980&page=28
  23. https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/dog-signal
  24. https://arumjournal.com/2023/11/29/dog-signal-episode-6-review-niwas-past/
  25. https://anilist.co/anime/160514/DOG-SIGNAL
  26. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-09-19/dog-signal-anime-reveals-more-cast-staff-opening-song-artist/.202540
  27. https://otakuusamagazine.com/dog-signal-anime-premieres-this-october-main-cast-and-staff-announced/
  28. https://myanimelist.net/anime/54294/Dog_Signal/characters
  29. https://www.netflix.com/title/81975239
  30. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2023/9/20/educational-anime-dog-signal-reveals-more-cast-music-composer
  31. https://www.animaldonation.org/iikoto/48432/
  32. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxSscENEp7JhSe-gomdI46wzX0lGWtLxv
  33. https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/10glk50/dog_signal_anime_announced/
  34. https://mangadex.org/title/6c4b91f2-b423-42b7-80f1-d441e47593aa/dog-signal
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