Published Apr 25, 2026, 1:30 PM EDT

Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You offers a unique window into Japan's intense work culture

This anti-work anime noir could be the best rom-com of 2026

Image: Crunchyroll

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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.…