Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You Story and
I read both volumes 1 and 2, and these books are just plain fun. They’re full of little moments where the main characters keep running into each other, and those interactions are what make the story so charming.
The story follows Sasaki, a 45-year-old salaryman who works far too hard and just wants a chance to relax. One of the bright spots in his day is the warmth and kindness he receives from Yamada at the supermarket. Things start to get a little complicated when he meets Tayama, a 24-year-old woman he encounters smoking behind the store.
What I really enjoy about this series is that the stakes are low. There are no world-ending threats or dramatic battles just people living their lives. Well, if you count the store manager, Goto, and fellow cashier Ono, it’s really four people getting caught up in the weird and wonderful moments of everyday life.
The story does a great job of showing how people can slowly fall for one another, even when they’re hiding parts of themselves. Watching the relationships develop feels natural and genuine.
My only real complaint is that the manga reminds me on almost every other page that Sasaki is a middle-aged man. I get it. I promise, I haven’t forgotten! At this point, it’s going to launch me straight to the moon.
Overall, I had a great time with this series.
Rating: 4.5/5
Having read both volumes of 'Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You,' I can say the series truly stands out for its quiet, slice-of-life storytelling. Unlike typical manga filled with fantasy or intense drama, this series captures the beauty in ordinary moments — like two people sharing cigarettes behind a supermarket and the subtle way connections blossom. The main character, Sasaki, is a relatable figure — a middle-aged salaryman who often feels worn down by his demanding job but finds unexpected comfort in the small kindnesses of the people around him. His growing friendship with Tayama, a younger woman who smokes behind the store, is portrayed with genuine nuance. Their interactions avoid clichés, focusing instead on the real hesitation and vulnerability that come with new connections. What I particularly appreciated was how the story allows the characters’ personalities to unfold bit by bit, letting readers witness their quirks and hidden sides gradually revealing themselves. The presence of other supporting characters like Yamada, Goto, and Ono adds warmth and depth, reflecting a microcosm of everyday community life. The manga’s use of humor, especially the recurring joke about Sasaki’s age, adds lightness without detracting from the emotional core. It’s these small touches that make the story feel authentic and endearing. For anyone interested in manga that explores relationships without high stakes or melodrama, this series offers a refreshing and comforting read. It also reminds me that sometimes the simplest stories—centered on smoking breaks behind a supermarket and quiet companionship—can be the most meaningful.
I read Vol1 and IMMEDIATELY loved itttt 😍