Hatsukoi DOGs Drama Ending Explained and Review

Hatsukoi DOGs Ending Explained: Aiko, Kai and So Ha’s Final Fate

Japanese Tuesday nights have been buzzing for ten weeks thanks to TBS’s Hatsukoi DOGs (Love is for the Dogs) — a cross-border co-production with Korea’s Studio Dragon that gave us a mix of fluffy romance, courtroom drama, and enough canine cuteness to make any pet-lover melt. 

Now that the final episode (Ep10) has aired, it’s time to look back at how it all wrapped up, what that bittersweet ending means, and whether Aiko, Kai and So Ha finally found their peace.

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Quick Recap of Hatsukoi DOGs Final Episode

Episode 10 wastes no time throwing us into the thick of it. 

Aiko (Kiyohara Kaya), having set up her own law firm, was on the verge of collapsing under the weight of pressure. 

Just as doubt was about to consume her, So Ha (Na In Woo) returned from Korea with game-changing evidence: a recorded video conference proving Honzawa Keita (Kishitani Goro) and the Uroa Group’s dodgy dealings. 

With this in hand, Kai (Narita Ryo) finally mustered the courage to fight for his hospital instead of retreating. The trio — Aiko, Kai, and So Ha — joined forces to prepare for court. 

In a surprisingly tender scene, So Ha admitted to Kai that once the trial was done, he planned to propose to Aiko, both as a life partner and a support system. 

Kai, clearly torn, buried his feelings for Aiko and told So Ha he would “cheer him on”. 

The trial played out with plenty of legal tension, but the heroes came out on top, saving the animal hospital’s reputation and exposing Honzawa’s corruption.

The episode closed with a quiet but telling sequence: Aiko walking Sakura, Kai with Shogun, and So Ha watching from a distance — three lives now forever changed by two dogs’ accidental meeting.

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Characters Wrapped

Hanamura Aiko (Kiyohara Kaya)

She began as a divorce lawyer who didn’t believe in love, scarred by her parents’ failed marriage. By the finale, she had built her own practice, faced her fears, and realised that love — romantic or otherwise — could be healing. Sakura the dog was her anchor, but her bond with Kai showed her that vulnerability isn’t weakness. 

Shirosaki Kai (Narita Ryo) 

The reserved vet who claimed to only love animals found himself dragged into messy human emotions. Kai’s growth was subtle: learning to fight for his hospital, allowing people in, and accepting that sometimes letting go (even of Aiko) is its own form of love. 

Woo So Ha (Na In Woo) 

The charming chaebol with secrets proved more than just a love-triangle plot device. His honesty, loyalty, and eventual selflessness elevated him. Even though his “proposal plan” didn’t quite pan out as he dreamed, his presence changed both Aiko and Kai’s paths for the better. 

Supporting Cast (Fukada Kyoko, Miyazawa Emma, Hagiwara Riku, etc.) Each side character added flavour — from legal battles to family drama — but the heart always circled back to Aiko, Kai, So Ha, and the dogs.

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Hatsukoi DOGs Ending Explained

The finale wasn’t about grand romantic declarations but about growth and quiet choices. 

Aiko’s journey from distrustful to hopeful, Kai’s journey from isolation to connection, and So Ha’s from outsider to ally all tied together through the theme of “second chances”.

The dogs — Sakura and Shogun — weren’t just cute plot devices. 

Their bond mirrored their owners’ struggles and reminded viewers that love can be simple, instinctive, and honest, unlike the complicated baggage humans bring.

By leaving things a little open-ended, the drama suggests:

• Love doesn’t always need to be about who gets the girl. Sometimes it’s about learning to be vulnerable and present.

• Friendship, found family, and courage to start fresh are as valuable as romance.

• Aiko’s choice to keep moving forward — without immediately locking herself to either man — feels realistic and empowering.

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TLDR + Short Review

Hatsukoi DOGs tied up its legal plot with a satisfying win in court, but kept the romantic ending delicately ambiguous. 

Rather than forcing a neat resolution, it embraced the idea that healing takes time. 

Strengths: Adorable canine scenes, Kaya and Narita’s chemistry, Na In Woo’s breakout J-drama debut, and a surprisingly weighty courtroom subplot. 

Weaknesses: Pacing dragged mid-season, some side plots (like Honzawa’s corporate mess) felt rushed at the end. 

Verdict: Not a perfect drama, but heartfelt and charming, with an ending that sticks to its “love comes in many forms” message.

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FAQs

Q: Who does Aiko end up with in the end?
Aiko doesn’t explicitly choose between Kai and So Ha. The ending is intentionally open, showing her continuing her independent journey while still deeply connected to both men.

Q: Was the court case resolved?
Yes. With So Ha’s evidence, Aiko and Kai won against Honzawa and the Uroa Group, saving the animal hospital’s reputation.

Q: What happened to the dogs, Sakura and Shogun?
Both dogs remain healthy and central to their owners’ lives. The final scene of them walking side by side symbolises ongoing bonds and hope.

Q: Why was Na In Woo’s role important?
So Ha represented both temptation and selflessness. His role was key in pushing Kai and Aiko out of their comfort zones while also marking a milestone for Japanese-Korean drama collaborations.

Q: What’s the significance of the title Hatsukoi DOGs?
It’s about “first love” sparked by the dogs’ encounter, but also about rediscovering faith in love — whether it’s your first time or a second chance.