Super no Ura de Yani Suu Futari

This should be the standard for slice of life romance, hands down. It's so simple, yet it works because the characters are just charming and interesting enough. Almost a 10, it's hard to pick on anything that's bad about it. The whole show is carried by Sasaki and Yamada's chemistry, it's actually insane to look back on it, but that's really all it is. It's been long I was this captivated by characters, witnessing them growing close to one another was amazing. At the same time, despite their relationship gradually becoming more and more casual, they still kept their distance, usually by having a reality check like "well, we're just 2 people smoking together sometimes" while ignoring their dependence on each other growing after each smoke they share. This set their progression back many times, but it doesn't affect the anime negatively other than making the viewer go "just kiss already" at times. Suzuki and the manager were great support cast too, the rest are forgettable, except for Maezawa. The age gap makes things complicated though, early 20s and mid 40s is a tough match. It's never predatory, that's not the issue here, it's just you know they're supposed to get together as they are the MCs, but how though? Despite their sparkling chemistry, it's hard to picture them in a serious relationship. This might be the only anime where the "love status quo" tag is actually a positive thing, and the story being stretched out without them getting together is the right move. Only bad thing is Sasaki's expert level obliviousness, but I guess this amount of plot convenience is allowed. OST deserves praise, there are many memorable tunes, and thankfully it's all available online. It really elevated the anime. There's not much to say about a slice of life romance, especially if there are no issues with anything really. It lived up to the hype, it's a great anime.

An anime with a simple premise: showing an older man smoking behind a supermarket with a female employee. At first glance, I didn't think the idea would amount to much—but it actually worked! Even though I found the male protagonist a bit "stereotypical," the story more than made up for it with the female lead, who is the anime's greatest strength. It features great visuals, light and cozy music, and a relaxed atmosphere with a dash of humor and romance. It definitely has the potential for a second season just as good as this one—developing the protagonists' relationship while maintaining the cozy, fun vibe of this debut. This season was truly worth every minute; it’s certainly one of the best of the season.

Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You: A Quiet Surprise Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is certainly not for shonen fans who want fast paced animes. It is a slow burn, built more around atmosphere, conversation, and character chemistry than constant plot progression and brain numbing fights. And honestly, that restraint/boringness' is part of what makes it work. The story is a bit unusual, somewhat provocative, but certainly capable of attracting controversy, but beneath it lies a surprisingly charming story. The dynamic between Sasaki and Tayama is easily the highlight, with what it has from awkwardness, humor, and an oddly natural chemistry making their everyday encounters really entertaining. The animation also deserves credit for bringing the manga to life without losing its identity. It captures the quiet atmosphere beautifully and remains remarkably faithful to the source material. The soundtrack, meanwhile, is nothing particularly memorable. It does its job, but nothing really stuck with me. Then again, this is hardly a series that needs bombastic music to carry its weight. Ultimately, Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is a refreshing,sorta new experience[for me at least]. It may move slowly, but it knows exactly what kind of story it wants to tell. So overall, 8 /10 . An enjoyable watch indeed.

A Great Romantic Comedy About Two Smokers This is an episodic series, with one or two self-contained stories per episode. Its premise is simple: Sasaki smokes behind the supermarket, where he meets Tayama, a routine that is repeated in every episode with small variations. What makes it work is the chemistry between the protagonists. Each episode, while simple, is enjoyable and leaves you wanting to see more interactions between Sasaki and Yamada. The comedy flows naturally, while the tender moments between them provide the perfect balance. The pacing is excellent: it never feels slow or tedious, and you can simply let yourself be carried along by the comedy and the small moments they share. The art style is relatively simple. The character designs are neither spectacular nor particularly memorable for the most part, but they fit their personalities perfectly. Yamada/Tayama stands out in particular: her expressions, clothing, and the transformation she undergoes when pretending to be someone else give her an enormous amount of charisma. The animation is neither dazzling nor packed with constant movement, but it works more than well enough to tell the story, and the direction manages to create some genuinely great scenes where the characters shine. The overall atmosphere is consistently pleasant, and the character designs are easily distinguishable from one another. The vocal difference between Yamada and Tayama is outstanding. If you didn't know they were played by the same voice actress, you probably wouldn't notice, just as Sasaki doesn't. Both versions sound natural, but Tayama has a voice that perfectly suits her personality. The voice actress does an incredible job. The opening is excellent as well: a great song accompanied by visuals that perfectly capture the anime's atmosphere, including some very good scenes of Tayama alongside Sasaki. The characters have clear personalities from their very first appearance, although the development is mainly focused on Yamada and Sasaki. Yamada is easily the standout character: an attractive design, an extremely charismatic personality, and someone who is always entertaining, whether she's teasing Sasaki or simply being herself. Sasaki is more straightforward, but he eventually wins you over with his kindness and likability; his obliviousness also leads to plenty of comedic moments. The supporting cast is minimal, with only the supermarket owner having any real relevance. This isn't a problem, since the series is clearly centered around the main couple. Her personality provides a different kind of comedy, and the fact that she treats the Yamada-Sasaki relationship like her own personal romance novel is a detail that many viewers will recognize with a smile. Conclusion This is a series that anyone who enjoys the typical romantic comedy can have fun with, but it can also appeal to someone who normally isn't drawn to the genre. It has a different kind of charm: The protagonists are charismatic and funny enough to make the series consistently enjoyable and entertaining. It is memorable not because it is groundbreaking, but because it is charming. It doesn't revolutionize the genre, but it leaves behind a warm and lasting impression. Ultimately, this is a simple but effective romantic comedy, with an incredibly charismatic female lead, genuine chemistry between the main characters, and pacing that never falters. It's ideal for switching off and enjoying small moments of humor and tenderness.

It’s a solid romantic comedy and a great anime—the kind of "comfort watch" that’s perfect for unwinding after work. The story itself is quite entertaining, even if the premise of the protagonist failing to recognize the girl he smokes with every day behind the supermarket feels a bit far-fetched. Still, I decided to overlook that for the sake of the unfolding plot. The deepening bond between Sasaki and Yamada is truly engaging, making you genuinely want to root for the couple. Gotou, the boss, also deserves a mention; as a supporting character, she’s far more than just filler—she has her own funny moments and influences the main character's thoughts and actions. The animation and music are solid, too, making for a very pleasing visual experience. I’d love to watch a second season, and I hope the series gets one.