Code of the Shiba

Shunichi Sagara is relieved as editor-in-chief at a pachinko magazine when his staff goes on strike against him. He is tasked with creating a new magazine, so he launches Shiba One, a dog-lover magazine, for his beloved dog, Fukusuke. Up-and-comer Ishimori, experienced writer Seike, photographer Mita, and veterinarian Namesawa join him to create this new magazine. © NHK © Yuka Katano / SHUEISHA

The Shiba One editorial team goes to the city for a photo shoot with Fukusuke. A sudden thundersclap scares Fukusuke into disappearing, and Sagara and Ishimori join forces for the search and rescue. The incident unites the previously divided team, and a feature article is born. But behind the scenes, a threat to the very survival of Shiba One is looming... © NHK © Yuka Katano / SHUEISHA

If the next edition isn't a hit, Shiba One is discontinued. Sagara's promise to President Mitarai sends the editorial team into a tailspin. Their desire to do a good job for Fuku drives them not to give up and make the possible last edition into the best one. However, trouble strikes right before the deadline, leaving four whole pages blank... © NHK © Yuka Katano / SHUEISHA

Sagara's (Shunsuke Daitoh) "Shiba Haiku" becomes an unexpected hit, putting the once-dismissed Shiba One editorial team in the spotlight. Buoyed by its success, Sagara plans a "Challenge" series to turn Fukusuke into a star. But a shoot goes too far, causing trouble... © NHK © Yuka Katano / SHUEISHA

Shiba One staff dog number two, Bom, is sick. This worries not only his owner Mita, but the whole editorial team, including Sagara. That's when Seike brings up the dog hot spring feature. She's been saving this just for Bom. With love in their hearts, the editorial team heads for the hot spring. Come to find out, it's actually run by Seike's mother... © NHK © Yuka Katano / SHUEISHA

Concerned about Fukusuke and Hitomi, Ishimori (Marie Iitoyo) launches the "Making Dog Friends!" project. It soon spirals into Sagara's lack of friends and Shindo's band breaking up. Meanwhile, Seike starts the "Learn from Your Shiba" series, with "Love Lessons from Shibas" as its first theme. Uemura, who secretly likes Ishimori, becomes the target. © NHK © Yuka Katano / SHUEISHA

Is staff dog number one, Fukusuke, a psychic dog? When Fukusuke finds a lost object, the team gets excited that he has psychic powers. Sagara sets up experiments to prove it. Meanwhile, President Mitarai wants Shiba One to publish more useful information instead of the recent ridiculousness. The staff fights back in the most unusual way... © NHK © Yuka Katano / SHUEISHA

Shiba One is thriving, with Fukusuke's popularity and sales on the rise. Fans even come to meet him, so the team decides to hold a "Shiba Festival." Sagara suggests publishing the results of a reader poll for the day's most popular event, and everyone gets serious about competing in their specialties. © NHK © Yuka Katano / SHUEISHA

Fukusuke's sick, with his life on the line. Ishimori decides her feature will be called "My Shiba's Flaws." The staff confess how dogs saved their flawed selves and pray for Fukusuke's recovery. Then, Fukusuke comes back to the editorial room. Sagara announces the next edition will be his and Fukusuke's last. Ishimori hears that and comes up with the next feature... © NHK © Yuka Katano / SHUEISHA