If you have been hearing buzz about Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You, you aren't alone. Despite the show’s official television premiere still being two weeks away, the anime has already become a breakout hit on Crunchyroll, with a 4.9-star average from over 57,000 user ratings.
The confusion is understandable: while the series doesn't officially debut until July 10, 2026, Crunchyroll chose an unconventional rollout strategy. Earlier this month, the platform released the first six episodes of the series as a collection of 12 ten-minute "mini-sodes." These aren't side stories or bonus clips; they are the actual opening arc of the show, allowing viewers to get a head start on the season before the full broadcast begins.
- Official Premiere: July 10, 2026
- Studio: Asahi Production
- Source Material: Webcomic by Jinushi
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
A Workplace Romance With a Twist
Based on the webcomic by Jinushi, which began on X.com in 2022 and later won the Next Manga Award in the web category, the story centers on Sasaki. At 45, the corporate grind has left him exhausted. His only solace is his daily trip to the local supermarket, where he interacts with a cheerful night-shift cashier named Yamada. Her presence is the highlight of his day.
The premise shifts when Sasaki misses his chance to see Yamada after a long night at the office. While looking for a place to smoke, he meets a mysterious young woman named Tayama who invites him to join her behind the store. Sasaki is unaware that Tayama and Yamada are, in fact, the same person. The series explores their developing friendship and blossoming romance through this accidental double life.
Production and Broadcast Details
The anime adaptation is produced by Asahi Production. The project is directed by Masato Suzuki and Aoi Mori, with series composition by Mio Inoue and character designs by Tomoka Otaki. The music for the series features an opening theme by Zutomayo and an ending theme titled "Fiction," performed by Imase.
For those who have already caught up on the 12 available mini-sodes, the next new installment is scheduled for August 21. New viewers can choose to start with the preview episodes on Crunchyroll today or wait for the standard television broadcast to kick off on July 10, when the series will stream alongside its Japanese release.