Looking for a Feel-Good Anime? This Title With 8.3 on IMDb Is the Perfect Antidote to Stress
It's a story for those who know how hard it is to find a reason to smile after an exhausting day.
In the world of anime, high school romance dominates the romantic genre – it can be difficult to find a title that appeals to adult viewers.
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is a breath of fresh air for those tired of endless high school drama: it won the hearts of viewers with its cozy atmosphere, subtle humor, and amazing ability to transform ordinary conversations into something magical.
What Is 'Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You' About?
The plot revolves around Sasaki, a 45-year-old office clerk whose life has become a never-ending series of workdays. The only joy in his dreary routine is his daily visit to the 24-hour supermarket where the charming cashier Yamada works.
One glance from her can melt the ice in a tired man's soul and make him feel like his day hasn't been wasted. One day, however, when Yamada isn't there, a frustrated Sasaki goes to the back alley behind the supermarket for a smoke break.
There, he meets a stranger named Tayama who is bold, open, and surprisingly aware of Sasaki's secret crush on the cashier. Thus begins their meetings in the alley, where they discuss everything from work problems to personal struggles.
'Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You' Masterfully Conveys the Subtle Psychology of Adult Relationships
Instead of creating drama or artificial obstacles for the characters, the creators of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You simply show two adults who are happy together.
Conversations behind the supermarket become a kind of ritual for them, providing an island of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The show perfectly captures the difficulties of everyday life: wearing uncomfortable clothes to work, worrying about workplace conflicts, and forgetting the last time you had a day off.
The anime doesn't dramatize these moments but shows them as normal parts of existence, and this honesty captivates viewers.
Sasaki and Tayama don't solve each other's problems – the boss doesn't become kinder, tasks don't disappear, and adult problems don't go away. However, they create a place you want to come to after a hard day and a person with whom you can forget all that.
The Comedic Part of the Title Is Based on a Dual Personality Game
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You's main comedic element deserves special mention: Sasaki's complete inability to recognize Tayama as the cashier, Yamada.
The viewer knows the truth from the beginning, creating a captivating game: how long will the man remain ignorant, and what other awkward situations will his naivety cause?
Tayama relishes the situation, occasionally exploiting her advantage, but she never crosses the line between sweet humor and cruelty – she becomes the perfect companion for Sasaki, allowing him to break free from corporate politeness and openly share his worries.
Smoking is frowned upon in modern society, and the anime's creators certainly don't promote it. In the context of this story, however, cigarettes become a symbol of intimacy and a way to take a break from the endless stream of worries.
Where to Watch 'Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You'?
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
