Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You could be the best rom-com of 2026

Over the years, plenty of exciting romance anime have made us blush as two protagonists fight the urge to profess their inner feelings. (Or give in!) The push and pull of love as portrayed in anime can be spectacular, but there’s something different going on in the upcoming anime series Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You, which is set to air on Crunchyroll this summer.

Adapted from the manga of the same name — which began as a webcomic on Twitter (now X) — Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You follows an overworked forty-something salaryman named Sasaki. Daily berating from his boss and the constant pressure to perform leave Sasaki little room for joy. His only comfort is found in the sparkling smile of Yamada, a young cashier at his local supermarket.

Yamada puts Sasaki in a state of bliss that nothing else replicates — it’s even better than a long drag on a cigarette. But one night, she’s suddenly missing from her station, leaving Sasaki with little but a smoke break to dull his stresses.

That smoke break brings him face to face with Yamada — or more accurately, her alternate identity. Wearing a more relaxed 3attire than her usual work clothes, Yamada casually introduces herself as the punky, cigarette-addicted Tayama. It’s all just a gag, of course; nothing but a laugh. Little do Yamada or Sasaki know that this simple encounter in the back of a supermarket will evolve into a beautiful, unforgettable rollercoaster of emotions.

Who knew a smoke break could prove so life-changing?

Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You does a lot of heavy lifting with its themes. On the outside, it might appear like a goofy tale about a potential couple, in spite of their seemingly inappropriate age difference. However, love isn’t exactly what Sasaki and Tayama/Yamada share. It’s far more complicated, best described as a kind of platonic energy where they each allow the other to feel like they truly belong.

In spite of their differences, particularly their age gap, Sasaki and Tayama still find a way to connect on a broader level, not simply through love. At first, their mutual appreciation for smoking brings them closer, but their interactions over time blossom into a powerful message about ignoring societal barriers in the face of connection.

Image: Crunchyroll

The first trailer for the anime is a promising look into how Asahi Production is bringing this story to life. The animation quality so far looks incredible, and the studio has captured Yamada’s look with stunning vibrancy. I can’t wait to see even more later this year.

Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You airs on Crunchyroll in July 2026.