Pre-release mini-episodes are a creative rollout strategy because cutting the first six episodes into 12 bite-sized previews gives fans an easy entry point and lets the slow-burn romance breathe in a different format. Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You also has a unique premise for romance fans, with the unconventional setup of two coworkers connecting through a shared break offering a more grounded, adult take on the genre. Tomoka Otaki on character designs is a great fit too because their work on A Galaxy Next Door showed a real eye for soft, intimate character expression, which suits this quiet workplace romance perfectly. And releasing previews on Crunchyroll ahead of the full premiere builds international anticipation because giving global fans early access through bite-sized cuts before the July full broadcast keeps the international audience engaged from day one.

Ahead of the Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You anime premiere in July, a special cut of the first six episodes of the series are available now to watch on Crunchyroll. Following the pre-release in Japan, the first six episodes are cut into 12 special mini-episodes, previewing the growing relationship between Sasaki and Tayama.

Production Staff

• Directors: Masato Suzuki and Aoi Mori

• Series Composition: Mio Inoue (My Awkward Senpai)

• Character Designs: Tomoka Otaki (A Galaxy Next Door)

• Music: Shin Kono and Sayaka Aoki

• Studio: Asahi Production

About the Series

The original manga by Jinushi began in Monthly Big Gangan in March 2022, with eight volumes released in Japan to date. Square Enix Manga releases an English-language version of the series. The anime series will begin its full broadcast in Japan in July 2026.

The Story

Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You follows Sasaki, a middle-aged salaryman who frequents a local supermarket and develops a quiet fascination with Tayama, the kind young cashier who serves him at the register. What he doesn't realize is that Tayama also leads a second life — sneaking off behind the supermarket for a smoke break, where she shows a completely different, more mature side of herself. As Sasaki keeps running into her at that hidden spot, the two slowly grow closer through these stolen moments and discover an unexpected connection neither of them anticipated.

Premiere Information

The 12 special mini-episodes of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You are streaming now on Crunchyroll, with the full broadcast set to begin in Japan in July 2026.

How are you feeling about the 12 mini-episode pre-release of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You? Is the slow-burn workplace romance between Sasaki and Tayama what's pulling you in, or is the unique pre-release rollout strategy the part that's selling you on tuning in before the July full broadcast? Let us know in the comments.