Unveiling the Hidden Connection: Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You

Unveiling the Hidden Connection: Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You

Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is a captivating Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Jinushi. The series, which began as a webcomic on Twitter in March 2022, has since been serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine starting in August 2022. This manga has garnered significant attention, winning the 2022 Next Manga Award in the web category.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around Sasaki, a 45-year-old overworked salaryman, whose daily stress is alleviated by the friendly customer service of Yamada, a 24-year-old supermarket cashier. Unbeknownst to Sasaki, Yamada has a dual identity; she transforms into “Tayama” when she’s not working. Tayama is a cool, leather-jacketed version of Yamada, complete with ear piercings and a rebellious demeanor. The two form an unlikely friendship when Tayama invites Sasaki to smoke with her behind the supermarket, a ritual that becomes a regular occurrence.

Character Analysis

• Sasaki: The male protagonist, a tired middle-aged businessman who finds solace in Yamada’s friendly service. His inability to recognize Yamada and Tayama as the same person creates a humorous dynamic.
• Yamada/Tayama: The female protagonist, who switches between her demure work persona (Yamada) and her more liberated, cool self (Tayama). Her transformation is not just physical but also reflects her inner duality.
• Goto: The supermarket manager, who supports Yamada and observes her relationship with Sasaki with interest.

Themes and Analysis

Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You delves into themes of identity, social isolation, and the complexities of human relationships. The manga explores how smoking, often viewed as a solitary activity, can become a shared experience that fosters connection. The contrast between Yamada’s two personas highlights the societal expectations placed on individuals and the masks they wear in different contexts.

The series also touches on the challenges faced by working-class individuals, particularly Sasaki and Yamada, who are both burned out by their jobs. Their smoking sessions become a refuge from the pressures of their daily lives.

Art and Storytelling

Jinushi’s art is simple yet effective, with facial expressions that bring the characters to life. The transformation between Yamada and Tayama is particularly well-executed, making it believable that Sasaki fails to recognize them as the same person. The storytelling is engaging, with a slow-burn romantic comedy that keeps readers invested in the characters’ lives.

Chapters and Availability

All chapters of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You are available on this website, including detailed information on each character. For a comprehensive list of chapters, visit our chapters page. Specific chapters can be accessed using the format ‘Chapter X’, such as Chapter 1 for the first chapter. To learn more about the characters, visit our characters page.

Conclusion

Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is a heartwarming and humorous manga that explores the complexities of human relationships through the lens of smoking. Despite its potentially controversial premise, the series offers a thoughtful exploration of identity, social isolation, and the power of shared experiences. With its engaging storytelling and memorable characters, this manga is a must-read for fans of romantic comedies.

Note: While the manga does depict smoking, it is essential to remember the health risks associated with smoking and to approach the series with a critical perspective. The story’s focus on the emotional connections between characters rather than the act of smoking itself makes it a compelling read.