Dogs and Punching Bags

Also known as: Inu to Sandbag, 犬とサンドバッグ, Nichiko’s Island, Love is a boxing ring

by Kaori Ozaki

After leaving her isolating life in Tokyo, 34-year-old Nichiko returns to her remote island hometown for her estranged alcoholic father's final days. There she meets Chimaki, an eccentric young man who stirs up old memories and feelings Nichiko had all but decided she no longer deserved. But despite his puppy-like enthusiasm for life, Chimaki's almost obsessive need to rescue people and animals seems to be compensating for an unspeakable past. (Source: Kodansha USA)