Although shōnen anime, full of momentous battles with great displays of power, and high school romances aimed primarily at a young audience are among the most popular titles in the industry, Crunchyroll is now betting on more mature stories, perfect for adults to just enjoy, relax, and unwind after a long day.
Mentioning anime aimed at adults inevitably brings to mind those R-rated series filled with suggestive scenes and violence that were prevalent in the 90s. However, many of the new-gen anime that are currently sweeping the charts are slice-of-life adaptations that offer a sentimental and bittersweet perspective on the beauty and hardships of adulthood. One of the strongest examples from 2026 is the drama Journal With Witch, with its honest and profound look at grief and family. Now, Crunchyroll is trying its luck with an adult romance, Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You.
Kicking off its summer 2026 lineup early, Crunchyroll followed the Japanese streaming platform, ABEMA, with a special pre-release of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You. This pre-release consisted of 12 mini-episodes that premiered on June 3, one month ahead of the anime’s official simulcast. Each mini-episode runs approximately 8 to 12 minutes and comprises the first six episodes of the adaptation in chronological order, split into two parts. While short-format anime series and batch releases always spark criticism, Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You exceeded expectations and is on its way to becoming a benchmark for mature romcoms.
Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You Is the Romance Anime the Genre Desperately Needed
While the title might make it sound like just a guilty pleasure series for nicotine lovers, Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You could be the most refreshing anime romance in years. Age, mutual friends, personal style, and shared interests; salaryman Sasaki and supermarket cashier Yamada have nothing in common other than their regular exchange at register number two. Although this dynamic usually doesn’t lead to anything more, the appearance of Tayama and her interactions with Sasaki, arising purely from their shared love of cigarettes, become a truly heartwarming connection that doesn’t quite feel like friendship or romance initially.
Despite having a simple story composed mainly of the conversations between two characters, the anime not only avoids becoming repetitive but also stands on its own, immersing viewers in a cozy atmosphere. Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You‘s charm comes mostly from Sasaki and Tayama’s radically different personalities and how they support each other and become confidants in their daily struggles, each being exactly what the other needed. However, the heart of the story rests on the duality of Tayama and the kind-hearted, somewhat scatterbrained Sasaki, which creates a sense of impatience in viewers about when the mystery will unravel.
From generational culture clashes to Tayama’s inclement mockery and endearing moments depicting the subtle changes in their relationship as it progresses slowly but surely, Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You pulls viewers in with each development, many of them relatable for adults. Furthermore, the fact that the mini-episodes are half the length of a typical anime makes the series fly by, as each part feels self-contained, similar to reading a manga chapter. This makes Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You the perfect rom-com for de-stressing, ideal for adults to watch on a short break without disrupting their routine.
Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You Is Already Among the Best Rated Anime of 2026
By offering not only a realistic look at the worries that often come in work life, but also the joy of having someone to confide in, Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You experienced one of the best receptions so far among the anime of 2026, despite its unconventional format. Currently, the anime boasts a rating of 8.46 on the MyAnimeList website. Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You also achieved a perfect 5-star rating on Crunchyroll, earning around 10,000 ratings in the first three days after its premiere, a figure higher than what many anime accomplish after completing their broadcasts.
Crunchyroll’s Latest Romance Anime Is More Than Its Ridiculous Name
There’s a new trend of anime series using ridiculous names to get attention, but this new Crunchyroll hit is so much more than a wildly funny name.
This proves there’s interest among fans of adult dramas, so Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You could become a new standard for slice-of-life anime. Episode 7 of the anime will arrive on streaming in July during its regular weekly broadcast. However, for those who have had enough of high school melodramas and enjoy understated humour, invigorating conversations during nighttime, and a slow-burn romance, Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You is a must-watch anime to stream on Crunchyroll.