The popular age-gap romantic comedy manga, Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You (known in Japan as Super no Ura de Yani Sū Futari), is officially receiving a television anime adaptation, slated to premiere nationwide on the TBS Network in 2026. The announcement was made on July 18, 2025, alongside a celebratory illustration by the manga’s creator, Jinushi, and the unveiling of the anime’s official logo.
From Webcomic to Nationwide Broadcast
The journey of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You began as a webcomic on Jinushi’s Twitter (now X) account in March 2022. Its debut chapter quickly went viral, attracting over 280,000 likes. Due to its immense popularity, the series was later picked up by Square Enix and began serialization in their Monthly Big Gangan magazine in August 2022. The manga has since garnered significant acclaim, winning first place in the Web Manga category of the Next Manga Award 2022. As of July 2025, the series boasts a circulation of over 2.5 million copies.
What is Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You About?
The series centers on Sasaki, a 45-year-old overworked salaryman whose demanding job often leaves him exhausted. His primary comforts are a cigarette after a long day and the pleasant customer service of Yamada, a cheerful cashier at his local supermarket.
One particularly trying day, Sasaki finds himself working late and misses Yamada’s shift. Dejected and unable to find a smoking area, he is approached by a mysterious woman named “Tayama” in a biker jacket, who invites him to a hidden smoking spot behind the supermarket. Unbeknownst to Sasaki, the cool, teasing Tayama is, in fact, the same person as the demure Yamada. Their regular interactions at the smoking area form the core of this unique romantic comedy and slice-of-life drama. The manga explores the developing bond between the two, with Sasaki remaining oblivious to Tayama’s true identity, and Yamada/Tayama bemused by his inability to recognize her.
Manga Publication and English Release
The manga is written and illustrated by Jinushi. Square Enix has been collecting the series into tankōbon volumes, with six volumes published as of January 2025. The seventh volume is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025. Square Enix Manga & Books holds the English publication rights, with the first volume released in February 2024. The fifth English volume is slated for release on August 12, 2025.
Anime Production Details
As of the announcement, specific details regarding the anime’s staff (director, scriptwriter, character designer, etc.), animation studio, and voice cast have not yet been revealed. However, the original author, Jinushi, has expressed involvement in the production, aiming to ensure fans can fully enjoy this “precious experience” of seeing their beloved work adapted. Further information about the adaptation is expected to be released in the future. An official website and X (formerly Twitter) account for the anime have been launched to provide updates.
