by The fourth episode of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You (also known as Two People Smoking Behind the Supermarket), titled “Learning Alone Behind the Supermarket,” aired on July 30, 2026, delivering one of the funniest episodes of the season. Packed with awkward misunderstandings, lovable characters, and nonstop comedy, Episode 4 quickly became a trending topic among anime fans.
From Sasaki’s disastrous attempt to use a smartphone to his surprisingly wholesome excitement over Yamada’s short-sleeve outfit, viewers couldn’t stop laughing. Social media exploded with comments such as “This episode is comedy gold,” “Sasaki is too pure for this world,” and “I laughed from beginning to end!”
About Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is based on the popular manga by Jinushi, which first gained attention after being posted on X (formerly Twitter) on March 9, 2022. The debut chapter became an instant viral sensation, earning more than 280,000 likes, eventually leading to full serialization in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine.
The story follows Sasaki, a 45-year-old overworked office employee who has become exhausted by corporate life, and Tayama, a mysterious 24-year-old supermarket employee whose sharp tongue hides a surprisingly caring personality. Their chance meetings behind a supermarket smoking area slowly develop into one of anime’s most refreshing adult relationships.
The television anime premiered on July 9, 2026, with Rihito Suzuki and Aoi Mori directing the adaptation at Asahi Production. Takuya Sato voices Sasaki, while Seina Hoshiki plays the dual role of Yamada/Tayama.
Sasaki’s Flip Phone Leaves Fans in Tears of Laughter
Episode 4 begins with Sasaki quietly reading a newspaper during work. His younger colleague, Suzuki, jokingly points out that reading a printed newspaper while wearing reading glasses feels incredibly old-fashioned.
When Suzuki suggests switching to a smartphone, Sasaki proudly pulls out an old flip phone and calmly replies:
“It’s not broken yet.”
Ironically, moments later the phone finally breaks.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, leading fans to flood social media with reactions like:
- “A flip phone? That’s so Sasaki!”
- “His phone breaking immediately was perfect comedy.”
- “This joke was brilliantly timed.”
The scene perfectly establishes Sasaki’s lovable personality—someone who refuses to replace things until necessary.
Sasaki vs. Modern Technology
Buying a smartphone turns out to be far more difficult than Sasaki expected.
Simple actions such as returning to the home screen, adjusting settings, or even opening the correct application become major challenges. One especially hilarious moment shows Sasaki accidentally using the front camera while riding the train without realizing it.
Fans joked that he looked completely lost, comparing him to someone experiencing smartphones for the very first time.
Comments included:
- “He’s technologically hopeless.”
- “This is grandpa-level smartphone skills.”
- “Someone save Sasaki before he gets into trouble.”
Despite all the chaos, these scenes make Sasaki feel incredibly realistic rather than exaggerated. Many viewers admitted they were reminded of parents or older relatives learning smartphones for the first time.
Tayama Quietly Shows Her Caring Side
Unable to understand his new phone, Sasaki asks Tayama for help.
Patiently, she teaches him how to use the device and even helps him read digital newspapers. Sasaki then requests a larger font size so the articles are easier to read.
However, Tayama has an unexpected reason for hesitating.
She secretly likes the way Sasaki looks wearing his reading glasses.
With visible reluctance, she adjusts his glasses herself before quietly saying:
“Don’t take them off.”
Although the moment lasts only a few seconds, fans absolutely adored it.
Viewers praised the scene with reactions including:
- “This was adorable.”
- “Tayama pushing up his glasses melted my heart.”
- “Glasses Sasaki deserves protection.”
The subtle animation and natural chemistry between the two characters made this one of Episode 4’s sweetest moments.
Yamada’s Morning Routine Wins Everyone Over
Another memorable sequence focuses on Yamada preparing for work.
Watching her carefully style her hair and transform into her cheerful supermarket persona fascinated viewers.
Many fans initially believed her hairstyle had changed completely before realizing it was simply clever styling.
Even more touching is the reveal that Yamada secretly smiles while looking at a photograph of Sasaki that she previously took.
Without saying much, the scene quietly hints that Sasaki has already become an important part of her daily life.
The Ridiculous Cigarette Fortune-Telling Game
Later in the episode, Suzuki introduces a bizarre personality test claiming that a person’s cigarette brand can reveal their true character.
Although the fortune-telling sounds completely unreliable, Sasaki innocently believes it and tells Tayama that younger people enjoy these trends.
Tayama immediately realizes the test is nonsense but decides to participate anyway.
The hilarious “results” include outrageous claims such as:
- Sasaki secretly looks down on others while possessing masochistic tendencies.
- Tayama has a dual personality and an unexpectedly strong romantic drive.
The ridiculous readings send both the characters and the audience into uncontrollable laughter.
Online reactions included:
- “This fortune-telling is completely insane.”
- “The dual personality part actually fits Tayama!”
- “This escalated so quickly.”
Sasaki Completely Misses the Obvious
Following the awkward fortune-telling session, Tayama asks Sasaki whether he only suggested the test because he thought it would help her.
For a brief moment, viewers believe Sasaki may finally realize Tayama’s hidden feelings.
Instead, he simply smiles brightly and praises her by saying she is:
“Cool, but kind.”
Anime fans collectively screamed at their screens.
Social media immediately filled with comments like:
- “He’s unbelievably dense!”
- “Come on, Sasaki!”
- “You almost figured it out!”
This perfectly captures one of the series’ greatest strengths—its slow-burn romance built upon misunderstandings instead of forced drama.
A Clever Musical Easter Egg
Sharp-eyed fans noticed another impressive detail.
During one supermarket scene, an instrumental arrangement of the anime’s opening theme quietly plays over the store speakers.
The subtle background music immediately became a discussion topic online.
Many viewers also noticed differences between the television broadcast and the earlier ABEMA pre-release version, praising the production team’s attention to detail.
Sasaki Gets Excited Over… Short Sleeves?
Perhaps the funniest moment arrives near the end of Episode 4.
As summer begins, Sasaki unexpectedly visits the supermarket in the evening and sees Yamada wearing short sleeves for the very first time.
Instead of continuing his shopping, he becomes so flustered that he immediately heads home completely satisfied.
Fans couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed.
Popular reactions included:
- “He got excited over short sleeves?”
- “That’s surprisingly wholesome.”
- “Only Sasaki could make short sleeves feel like a major event.”
- “He’s 45 years old and this innocent?”
Although some viewers jokingly called his reaction “a little creepy,” most interpreted it as another example of Sasaki’s incredibly innocent personality rather than anything inappropriate.
Tayama Immediately Starts Teasing Him
Having witnessed Sasaki’s strange behavior firsthand, Tayama quickly begins questioning him.
Never one to miss an opportunity to tease him, she playfully removes her jacket and jokingly exposes her stomach to make Sasaki even more embarrassed.
The sequence sends Sasaki into complete panic while viewers laugh at his priceless reactions.
The chemistry between the pair continues to be the emotional core of the series, balancing comedy with subtle romantic tension.
Why Episode 4 Is One of the Series’ Funniest Episodes
Episode 4 perfectly demonstrates why Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You has become one of the most beloved romance-comedy anime of 2026.
Instead of relying on exaggerated slapstick or over-the-top misunderstandings, the humor comes from believable personalities. Sasaki’s innocence, Tayama’s playful teasing, and their growing bond create a refreshing dynamic rarely seen in adult romance anime.
The episode also balances heartfelt character development with laugh-out-loud comedy, making it enjoyable for both longtime manga readers and anime-only viewers.
Episode 5 Release Date
The next episode, Episode 5 – “Two People Running Behind the Supermarket,” is scheduled to premiere on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Fans are eager to see how Sasaki and Tayama’s relationship continues to develop after another episode filled with hilarious misunderstandings and subtle romantic moments.
TV Anime Broadcast Information
Broadcast Schedule
- Premiered: July 9, 2026
- Airs every Thursday at 11:56 PM (JST) on 28 TBS-affiliated stations across Japan.
- Simulcast and fastest streaming on ABEMA and Netflix, followed by additional streaming platforms.
- The ABEMA exclusive pre-release version is also available for free streaming.
Main Voice Cast
- Sasaki — Takuya Sato
- Yamada / Tayama — Seina Hoshiki
- Goto — Toa Yukinari
- Ohno — Megumi Toyoguchi
- Obata — Rikuya Yasuda
- Maezawa — Yoko Hikasa
- Suzuki — Shinya Takahashi
Production Staff
- Directors: Rihito Suzuki & Aoi Mori
- Series Composition: Mio Inoue
- Character Design: Naka Otaki
- Prop Design: Mahiru Shintani
- Art Director: Masaru Sotoya
- Color Design: Shuji Uemura
- Director of Photography: Ryo Kujirai
- CG Director: Hidenori Fujitani
- Editing: Ami Ishii
- Sound Director: Kohei Yoshida
- Music: Shin Kono & Sayaka Aoki
- Music Producer: Retsu Kuze
- Music Production: Nichion
- Animation Studio: Asahi Production
Theme Songs
TV Broadcast Version
- Opening: “Ichijiku Kemuri” by ZUTOMAYO (Zutto Mayonaka de Ii no ni.)
- Ending: “Fiction” by imase
ABEMA Pre-Release Version
- Opening: “Kuzuri Nen” by ZUTOMAYO
- Ending: “NIGHT DANCER” by imase
Final Thoughts
Episode 4 delivers an excellent blend of wholesome romance, character-driven comedy, and subtle emotional development. Sasaki’s innocent struggles with modern technology, Tayama’s quiet affection, and the pair’s naturally funny interactions make this one of the strongest episodes of the season so far.
Whether it was the infamous flip phone, the absurd cigarette personality test, or Sasaki’s unforgettable excitement over Yamada’s short sleeves, Episode 4 gave fans countless memorable moments that quickly spread across social media. With Episode 5 already on the horizon, viewers are eagerly waiting to see how this charming slow-burn relationship continues to grow.
