Sasaki

Overview

Sasaki is the male protagonist of the manga “Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You.” He is a 45-year-old salaryman who is deeply entrenched in the corporate world, working long hours in a demanding job that leaves him little time for personal life. Despite his stressful existence, Sasaki finds a small measure of joy in his daily interactions with Yamada, a cheerful and friendly supermarket cashier.

Personality

Sasaki is a complex character with a mix of endearing and frustrating traits. On one hand, he is a hardworking individual who is deeply committed to his job, even though it takes a toll on his mental and physical health. On the other hand, he is incredibly dense and often fails to notice the obvious, particularly when it comes to Yamada’s dual identity as Tayama.

Despite his denseness, Sasaki is a genuinely kind and respectful person who values his interactions with Yamada and later with Tayama. He is content with simply seeing Yamada and does not harbor any ulterior motives, which makes his character intriguing and likable.

Role in the Story

Sasaki’s role in the story is central to the plot. His interactions with Yamada and Tayama form the core of the narrative, exploring themes of loneliness, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships. Through his character, the manga delves into the challenges faced by working-class individuals in Japan, particularly those in their middle age who are struggling to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

Relationships

Sasaki’s relationships with Yamada and Tayama are the heart of the story. His interactions with Yamada are characterized by a deep admiration and respect, which he openly acknowledges to Tayama. However, he fails to recognize that Yamada and Tayama are the same person, leading to a series of humorous and poignant moments.

Tayama, on the other hand, is a more complex figure in Sasaki’s life. She is a mysterious and impish character who invites Sasaki to smoke with her behind the supermarket. Through their conversations, Tayama expertly questions Sasaki about his feelings for Yamada, revealing a deeper understanding of his emotions than he himself possesses.

Significant Plot Points

• Meeting Yamada: Sasaki’s interactions with Yamada at the supermarket form the foundation of the story. His admiration for her and his contentment with simply seeing her set the tone for the narrative.
• Discovering Tayama: Sasaki’s encounter with Tayama behind the supermarket marks a turning point in the story. Their conversations and shared smoking sessions reveal a deeper connection between the characters.
• The Clark Kent Effect: Sasaki’s failure to recognize Yamada and Tayama as the same person is a recurring theme throughout the manga. This dynamic adds a layer of humor and complexity to the story, highlighting the transformative power of appearance and behavior.
• Health Concerns: Sasaki’s smoking habit and its impact on his health are addressed in the manga. His initial resignation to giving up smoking due to lung damage, followed by the revelation that his lungs are fine, underscores the risks associated with smoking and the characters’ reliance on it as a coping mechanism.

Conclusion

Sasaki is a nuanced and engaging character whose story in “Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You” offers a compelling exploration of human relationships, loneliness, and the complexities of working-class life in Japan. Through his interactions with Yamada and Tayama, the manga delves into themes of identity, connection, and the search for meaning in a demanding and often isolating world.