In the vast landscape of modern manga, few titles have captured the hearts of the "working-class" audience as effectively as "Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You" (*Super no Ura de Yani Suu Futari*). Originally a viral sensation on Twitter (X) by the talented author Jinushi, this series quickly transitioned to Square Enix's *Monthly Big Gangan*, solidifying its place as a premier Seinen title. As an otaku who has spent decades analyzing the nuances of slice-of-life narratives, I can confidently say this manga is a masterclass in "Iyashikei" (healing) storytelling for adults.
The Premise: A Sanctuary in the Concrete Jungle
The story centers on Sasaki, a 45-year-old salaryman who embodies the exhaustion of the modern Japanese corporate world. His life is a monotonous cycle of overtime, demanding bosses, and the quiet loneliness of middle age. His only "saving grace"—his "sunshine"—is Yamada, a perpetually cheerful and polite cashier at the local S-Mart supermarket. For Sasaki, a brief exchange at the register with Yamada is the only thing that makes his grueling days bearable.
One particularly stressful evening, Sasaki arrives at the store hoping for his usual dose of Yamada’s kindness, only to find her absent from the counter. Dejected and desperate for a nicotine fix, he wanders to the back of the supermarket, seeking a quiet place to smoke. There, he encounters a woman who looks nothing like the polished staff of S-Mart. Dressed in "street" fashion with multiple piercings and a rebellious, cool aura, she introduces herself as Tayama.
She invites Sasaki to join her in the store’s private smoking area—a secluded nook away from the public eye. What Sasaki doesn’t realize (though the reader does immediately) is that Tayama is actually Yamada in her "off-duty" persona.
The Dynamic: A Dance of Dual Identities
The core appeal of the manga lies in its brilliant use of dramatic irony. Sasaki, blinded by his idealized image of the "perfect cashier Yamada," fails to recognize that the edgy, teasing woman smoking beside him is the same person. Tayama, amused by his obliviousness and touched by his genuine (if somewhat pathetic) nature, decides to keep her identity a secret, leading to a unique friendship built on smoke clouds and quiet confessions.
As a Seinen manga, the series moves away from the high-octane drama of Shonen or the sparkling romance of Shojo. Instead, it focuses on the "in-between" moments of life. The smoking area becomes a "third space"—a sanctuary where the masks of "polite employee" and "obedient salaryman" are dropped.
Key Themes: Loneliness, Masks, and Small Joys
1. The Burden of Adulthood: The manga resonates deeply with anyone who has felt like a cog in a machine. It explores the fatigue of maintaining a professional facade and the desperate need for human connection that isn't transactional.
2. The Duality of Self: Through Yamada/Tayama, Jinushi explores how society forces individuals into boxes. Yamada is the "ideal woman" society expects, while Tayama is her authentic, relaxed self. The irony is that Sasaki falls for the kindness of one and the companionship of the other, not realizing they are the same soul.
3. The "Healing" Aspect (Iyashikei): Despite the presence of cigarettes—a habit often portrayed negatively—the act of smoking here is a metaphor for taking a breath. It’s about the pause in a busy life. The atmosphere is cozy, nostalgic, and deeply comforting.
Why You Should Read It
*Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You* is a rare gem that treats its adult characters with dignity and humor. It doesn't rely on cheap fanservice or over-the-top plot twists. Instead, it builds tension through subtle glances, shared lighters, and the slow-burn realization of mutual respect.
For fans of *After the Rain* or *The Way of the Househusband*, this manga offers a more grounded, mature take on finding light in the mundane. It is a poignant reminder that sometimes, the person who saves your day is standing right in front of you—perhaps just wearing a different jacket and a smirk. Whether you are a smoker or not, the warmth of this series is enough to light up even the darkest corporate night.
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