Smoking is bad for your health—everyone knows that. But with the manga Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You, it’s not about showcasing the harmful effects of cigarettes but rather unraveling a funny, chill, and slightly romantic encounter around a good (break) smoke.

This smoke break is exactly what Mr. Sasaki is looking for—a tired, middle-aged salaryman who finds comfort in his favorite convenience store, especially in the radiant smile of the lovely cashier, Yamada. However, one evening, Yamada is absent. Disheartened, Sasaki steps outside to smoke a cigarette, only to be approached by a magnetic and mysterious young woman named Tayama. She invites him to the store’s employee smoking area. Unbeknownst to Sasaki, he knows this enigmatic woman very well, and she’s about to have a lot of fun teasing him during their nicotine breaks.

A mysterious encounter in the smoking area.

A Meeting Over a Lighter

With Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You, there’s no need to dig deep into the plot. It primarily consists of a series of lighthearted sketches revolving around two characters who are drawn to each other, sharing cigarettes, all tied together by comedic misunderstandings.

The reader quickly guesses Tayama’s true identity (especially since it’s revealed early on) and may find Sasaki’s cluelessness amusing—he never connects the dots between this mysterious smoker and the bright-eyed cashier. This first volume of Smoking Behind the Supermarket thrives on misunderstandings and dual identities, delivering an almost playful humor in a relaxed atmosphere.

This title fits perfectly within the editorial catalog of Kana’s Life collection, which returns with works like Cigarette and Cherry, Just Not Married, Solitary Corps, and New Love, New Life. Like these titles, Smoking portrays a connection between two individuals through themes deeply rooted in reality, creating a strong bond with the reader. Moreover, the series aligns with offbeat and teasing romances, akin to Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro, but with a more mature, seinen-oriented approach.

The central duo in this gentle romance is charming, though Sasaki’s character may feel somewhat repetitive—a tired salaryman archetype who, despite this, stands out with his big heart. Tayama, on the other hand, is a far more intriguing character, with her mysterious and dual-sided nature effectively brought to life by Jinushi’s expressive artwork.

The artist skillfully highlights the characters, particularly within the story’s confined setting—the convenience store and its small smoking area. This limited backdrop enhances the sense of intimacy and complicity between the protagonists while allowing for comedic interactions with secondary characters, such as the wise and humorous store manager.

Smoking in the Rain

The first volume of Smoking Behind the Supermarket is a solid introduction to this duo, structured around a series of playful, coded sketches featuring their repeated smoke-break encounters. These simple yet amusing moments, driven by recurring misunderstandings, also carry emotional depth through themes such as workplace exhaustion.

The smoke break becomes a symbolic moment for these two souls, offering a brief escape from their demanding daily lives. Some chapters introduce touching moments, such as smoking in the rain, Sasaki’s health concerns, or a flashback to Tayama’s early days at the store—all delivered with restraint and emotional nuance.

The real question is whether the story of Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You risks going up in smoke itself. While this first volume calmly establishes the characters and presents enjoyable sketches, it doesn’t promise an extraordinary narrative full of unexpected twists. The ongoing naivety of the salaryman, who fails to recognize his cashier under Tayama’s disguise, makes for entertaining reading but may lead to monotony if the mistaken-identity gag is overused. Hopefully, the story will develop into something more substantial beyond this pleasant yet delicate smoky exchange.

This first volume of Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You is a charming romance driven by comedic misunderstandings, a well-matched duo, and themes deeply embedded in everyday life. This smoke break is enjoyable in this initial installment, though there’s a risk of the story becoming as fleeting as a wisp of smoke.