by The fourth episode of the TV anime Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You (Super no Ura de Yani Suu Futari), titled “Learning Alone Behind the Supermarket,” aired on July 30, 2026, delivering one of the funniest and most wholesome episodes of the season.
Filled with awkward misunderstandings, relatable workplace humor, and charming romantic moments, Episode 4 had viewers laughing from beginning to end. Sasaki’s innocent personality once again stole the spotlight, while Tayama’s playful teasing and Yamada’s adorable expressions added to the episode’s appeal.
As soon as the episode aired, social media was flooded with reactions such as “I couldn’t stop laughing!”, “Sasaki is too pure for this world!”, and “This episode was comedy gold!”
About Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is based on the hit manga by Jinushi, which first gained popularity after being posted on X (formerly Twitter) on March 9, 2022.
The manga’s first chapter went viral, earning more than 280,000 likes, before beginning serialization in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan.
Unlike typical romance series, the story follows an unlikely friendship between:
- Sasaki, a tired 45-year-old office worker exhausted by corporate life.
- Tayama, a mysterious 24-year-old supermarket employee with a playful personality.
- Yamada, the cheerful supermarket cashier whom Sasaki secretly admires.
Every evening, Sasaki and Tayama meet behind the supermarket during cigarette breaks, where casual conversations gradually blossom into a touching and humorous relationship.
The TV anime premiered on July 9, 2026, and is animated by Asahi Production.
Episode 4 Opens with Sasaki’s Old-School Lifestyle
The episode begins at Sasaki’s office, where his younger colleague Suzuki notices him reading a printed newspaper while wearing reading glasses.
Suzuki jokingly comments that reading a newspaper at work feels incredibly old-fashioned and recommends switching to a smartphone instead.
Sasaki’s response immediately becomes one of the episode’s funniest moments.
Instead of pulling out a smartphone…
He proudly reveals an old flip phone, saying:
“It still works, so I never replaced it.”
Viewers instantly burst into laughter.
Online comments included:
- “A flip phone in 2026? Amazing!”
- “That’s so Sasaki.”
- “He’s living in another era.”
Ironically, only moments later, the phone finally breaks, forcing Sasaki to purchase his very first smartphone.
His Smartphone Struggles Are Surprisingly Relatable
Buying the smartphone turns out to be far more difficult than Sasaki expected.
He struggles with nearly every basic function, including:
- Returning to the home screen.
- Navigating simple menus.
- Accidentally opening the front-facing camera.
- Taking unintended selfies on the train.
His confusion creates a series of hilarious scenes that many viewers found surprisingly relatable.
Social media quickly filled with comments like:
- “He’s basically a grandpa.”
- “Someone please teach him.”
- “Technology is his greatest enemy.”
Despite the exaggerated comedy, many older viewers admitted they sympathized with Sasaki’s struggles when switching to modern smartphones.
Tayama Becomes His Personal Tech Support
Unable to figure things out on his own, Sasaki asks Tayama for help.
Patiently guiding him through the basics, she teaches him how to read the digital newspaper.
Once everything is working, Sasaki politely asks if she can enlarge the font because it’s difficult to read.
Although she agrees, Tayama secretly prefers Sasaki wearing his reading glasses.
She gently adjusts them and quietly tells him:
“Don’t take them off.”
The subtle romantic moment immediately became a fan favorite.
Many viewers commented:
- “That scene was adorable.”
- “Tayama pushing up his glasses was so cute.”
- “Please let Sasaki keep the glasses forever.”
Yamada’s Morning Routine Wins Fans Over
Another memorable sequence follows Yamada as she prepares for work.
The beautifully animated montage reveals how she styles her hair and gets ready before arriving at the supermarket.
Many viewers were surprised by how different she looks before fixing her hairstyle.
The episode also quietly confirms that Yamada secretly treasures a photograph she took of Sasaki, smiling happily while looking at it.
Fans loved the moment, posting reactions such as:
- “She’s adorable!”
- “That transformation scene was so well animated.”
- “Yamada is too precious.”
The Bizarre Cigarette Fortune-Telling
Later, Suzuki tells Sasaki about a supposedly popular personality test that determines someone’s character based on the brand of cigarettes they smoke.
Although the idea sounds completely unreliable, Sasaki believes it without question.
Thinking younger people enjoy these trends, he eagerly suggests trying it with Tayama.
Tayama immediately realizes it’s nonsense.
Still, she decides to humor him.
The results quickly become ridiculous.
According to the fortune telling:
- Sasaki secretly enjoys being dominated despite acting serious.
- Tayama has a hidden dual personality and a surprisingly passionate romantic side.
The increasingly absurd descriptions left viewers laughing throughout the scene.
Online reactions included:
- “This escalated so quickly.”
- “That personality test is hilarious.”
- “The dual personality part actually fits Tayama.”
Sasaki Misses Every Romantic Hint
After the awkward fortune-telling session, Tayama asks Sasaki:
“You only suggested this because you thought it would help me, right?”
For a moment, it seems like Sasaki might finally notice Tayama’s feelings.
Instead, he smiles warmly and simply says:
“You’re cool… but also really kind.”
Completely missing the obvious romantic tension, Sasaki unintentionally leaves Tayama speechless once again.
Fans immediately reacted with comments like:
- “He’s unbelievably dense.”
- “Come on, Sasaki!”
- “Poor Tayama.”
- “He’s too innocent.”
His inability to recognize romantic signals has become one of the series’ funniest running jokes.
A Clever Musical Easter Egg
The following day, the supermarket manager notices the awkward atmosphere between Sasaki and Tayama and jokingly assumes that something interesting must have happened.
Attentive viewers also spotted a fun production detail.
During this scene, an instrumental arrangement of the anime’s opening theme, “Ichijiku Kemuri,” can be heard playing softly through the supermarket speakers.
Many fans appreciated the subtle reference, especially those familiar with the earlier ABEMA preview version.
Sasaki’s Reaction to Short Sleeves Goes Viral
The episode’s biggest laugh arrives near the end.
As summer begins, Sasaki visits the supermarket in the evening and unexpectedly sees Yamada wearing short sleeves for the first time.
Rather than calmly continuing his shopping…
He becomes overwhelmingly excited.
Satisfied after seeing her summer outfit, he immediately leaves the supermarket without buying anything.
The scene quickly became one of the episode’s most talked-about moments.
Social media exploded with comments including:
- “He’s excited over short sleeves?”
- “Only Sasaki could react like this.”
- “That’s strangely wholesome.”
- “He’s so pure.”
While some viewers jokingly called his reaction excessive, many others interpreted it as an innocent expression of Sasaki’s long-hidden crush rather than anything inappropriate.
Tayama Immediately Starts Teasing Him
Unfortunately for Sasaki, Tayama witnesses the entire incident.
Sensing an opportunity, she immediately starts teasing him about his obvious excitement.
To embarrass him even further, she playfully lifts her jacket slightly, exposing part of her stomach.
Sasaki is left completely flustered.
The playful interaction perfectly highlights the chemistry between the two characters, which continues to be one of the anime’s greatest strengths.
Fans Praise Episode 4’s Comedy
Episode 4 received overwhelmingly positive reactions online.
Viewers especially praised:
- Sasaki’s innocent personality.
- The smartphone comedy.
- Tayama’s playful teasing.
- Yamada’s adorable expressions.
- The subtle romantic development.
- Clever visual and musical details.
Many fans described it as the funniest episode of the series so far.
Main Voice Cast
The anime stars:
- Takuya Sato as Sasaki
- Seina Hoshiki as Yamada / Tayama
- Toa Yukinari as Goto
- Megumi Toyoguchi as Ohno
- Rikuya Yasuda as Obata
- Yoko Hikasa as Maezawa
- Shinya Takahashi as Suzuki
Production Staff
The anime is produced by Asahi Production, with the following 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
- Animation Production: Asahi Production
Theme Songs
TV Broadcast Version
Opening Theme
- “Ichijiku Kemuri” by ZUTOMAYO (Zutto Mayonaka de Ii no ni.)
Ending Theme
- “Fiction” by imase
ABEMA Early Streaming Version
Opening Theme
- “Kuzuri Nen” by ZUTOMAYO
Ending Theme
- “NIGHT DANCER” by imase
Episode 5 Release Date
The next episode, Episode 5, “Two People Running Behind the Supermarket,” is scheduled to air on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Fans are eager to see how Sasaki and Tayama’s relationship develops following another series of awkward yet heartwarming encounters.
Final Thoughts
Episode 4 of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You perfectly captures what makes the series so charming. From Sasaki’s outdated flip phone and hilarious struggles with modern technology to his adorably over-the-top reaction to seeing Yamada in short sleeves, the episode delivers nonstop laughs while quietly deepening the relationships between its characters.
Combined with Tayama’s teasing, Yamada’s lovable moments, and plenty of relatable adult humor, “Learning Alone Behind the Supermarket” stands out as one of the strongest episodes of the season. As the slow-burn romance continues to unfold, fans can look forward to even more heartfelt conversations, comedic misunderstandings, and memorable moments when Episode 5 arrives next week.
