English Dub Season Review: Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You Season One
Based on the Japanese manga written and illustrated by Jinushi, the story follows Sasaki, an overworked middle-aged salaryman who endures the daily grind of his soul-crushing job by visiting his favorite supermarket to enjoy the cheerful smile and friendly service of Yamada, a charming young cashier he secretly admires. However, after a particularly exhausting day, he arrives too late to catch her before her shift ends and finds himself approached by Tayama, a mysterious, pierced young woman in a stylish biker jacket who invites him to smoke with her behind the store. As their encounters become a regular occurrence, an unlikely friendship begins to blossom, with Tayama playfully teasing Sasaki about his fondness for Yamada while concealing a secret of her own: she and his beloved cashier are the same. Unfortunately, Sasaki remains completely oblivious to Yamada’s one-sided crush and Tayama’s true identity, setting the stage for a heartwarming romantic comedy about unexpected connections, everyday struggles, and the little moments that make life worthwhile.
On the technical side, this Anime adaptation was produced by Asahi Production and directed by Masato Suzuki and Aoi Mori, with Mio Inoue handling series composition, Yasuka Ōtaki designing the characters, and Shin Kono and Sayaka Aoki composing the music. The opening theme song is “Fig Smoke”, performed by Zutomayo, while the ending theme song is “Fiction”, performed by Imase.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to connect with the typical high-school romance anime. With all the everyday adult shit we all have to face, such as part-time jobs, personal obligations, paying bills, and life constantly moving forward, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for stories about adults navigating everyday struggles. Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is a slice-of-life anime that evokes those feelings while balancing them out with the grounded, comedic vibes of a Judd Apatow comedy, finding humor in the awkward conversations, questionable decisions, and the emotional immaturity of people who are supposed to have their lives figured out by now. Yet beneath the relatable comedy lies a sincere romance about two lonely individuals who gradually find happiness in each other’s company.
Much of the series’ appeal comes from its simple premise and likable leads. Sasaki, an overworked salaryman in his mid-forties, looks forward to spending time with Yamada, a cheerful supermarket cashier who adopts the alternate persona of Tayama whenever they meet outside her workplace. With her rebellious attitude, unpredictable behavior, and playful eccentricity, Tayama gives off the familiar manic pixie dream girl vibe, making her an amusing contrast to Yamada’s more composed workplace demeanor despite being in her mid-twenties. Their smoking breaks provide an escape from their daily routines, giving them opportunities to tease each other, share personal frustrations, and gradually develop a meaningful bond. Sasaki’s considerate nature makes him easy to root for, while Yamada’s contrasting personality brings plenty of charm to their interactions. I also appreciate how the anime acknowledges the pressures of their respective jobs without looking down on either character, although the supporting cast could have used more development.
Unfortunately, the series’ leisurely pacing sometimes works against it. Sasaki’s failure to recognize Yamada as Tayama stretches believability, and the romantic development can feel painfully slow despite the occasional progress between them. Several misunderstandings also make the characters seem far less mature than their ages would suggest. I also find the online outrage by Cynical Zoomers over their potential age-gap romance ridiculous, considering they’re both consenting adults. At its weakest, the anime resembles a sitcom episode stretched across an entire season, recycling familiar conversational patterns without consistently moving the relationship forward. Its portrayal of smoking is another drawback, as the habit is frequently presented as an appealing backdrop without much consideration for its health risks. Still, the story’s emphasis on companionship and the comfort of having someone who genuinely listens gives it an underlying warmth.
The animation takes a relatively understated approach, relying on expressive character designs, facial reactions, and thoughtful direction rather than consistently elaborate movement. While the visual detail occasionally varies, the characters’ personalities remain clear, particularly when Yamada switches between her two identities. Caitlyn Bairstow’s voice performance helps distinguish those sides of her personality, adding another layer to the comedy. The music is equally well suited to the series, with its relaxed, jazz-inspired soundtrack reinforcing the laid-back atmosphere without overwhelming quieter scenes. Combined with the opening and ending themes, the audio presentation complements the anime’s blend of everyday humor and understated romance.
Overall, Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is a pleasant, character-driven romance that finds meaning in the seemingly insignificant moments of everyday life. Its repetitive structure, contrived misunderstandings, and sluggish romantic progression keep it from reaching its full potential, but Sasaki and Yamada/Tayama’s chemistry makes their time together worthwhile. The series ultimately succeeds at reminding us that happiness doesn’t always require dramatic declarations or life-changing events; sometimes, a conversation with the right person after a difficult day is enough. Although it may not reinvent the slice-of-life genre, its relatable humor and heartfelt simplicity make it an easy recommendation for anyone seeking something relaxing. I would happily return for another season, especially with more room for the relationship to develop.
