Crunchyroll has surprised anime fans by releasing the first six episodes of the upcoming slice-of-life series Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You early. The platform dropped 12 mini-episodes on June 4, 2026, giving viewers an early look at one of the most talked-about romance anime of the Summer 2026 season. The full series officially premieres in July 2026 on Crunchyroll.
How the Early Release Works
The early release consists of 12 mini-episodes, each running approximately 10 minutes (excluding opening and ending videos). These mini-episodes cover the content of the anime’s first six full TV episodes and are shown in chronological order. The episodes feature special opening and ending videos, including “Kuzuri Nen” by Zutomayo as the opening theme and “NIGHT DANCER” by imase as the ending theme.
The early release corresponds with the anime’s limited advance streaming on ABEMA in Japan, which also debuted on June 4, 2026. The full TV broadcast will premiere on TBS and 27 other channels in Japan starting July 2026, airing every Thursday at 11:56 p.m. JST.
Streaming Availability for Global Audiences
Crunchyroll is streaming the anime in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, and India. Fans in select Asian regions can also watch the series on Netflix. This wide distribution makes the show accessible to viewers across most of the globe.
Voice Cast and Production Staff
The anime features a talented voice cast. Takuya Sato voices the lead character Sasaki, the overworked office worker. Seena Hoshiki plays Yamada / Tayama, the supermarket cashier with a dual personality. Shinya Takahashi voices Suzuki, while Toa Yukinari, Megumi Toyoguchi, Rikuya Yasuda, and Yoko Hikasa round out the supporting cast.
Studio Asahi Production is handling the animation. Tadato Suzuki and Aoi Mori are directing the series. Mio Inoue is in charge of series composition, Yasuka Otaki serves as character designer, and Shin Kono and Sayaka Aoki are composing the music.
What the Show Is About
Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You is based on the manga by Jinushi. The story first started as a webcomic published on Twitter in March 2022. Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine began serializing it in August 2022. As of January 2026, there are six volumes available, with Volume 7 scheduled for release on July 7, 2026.
The official synopsis describes the story:
“An overworked salaryman and a mischievous cashier with a dual personality form an unexpected bond in this sweet-and-sour comedy. At age forty-five, office worker Sasaki has had enough of the corporate grind. His only solace is smoking—and the friendly smile of supermarket cashier Yamada. When Sasaki can’t find Yamada after a particularly trying day, a striking woman invites him to smoke with her. The despondent man thinks he’s made a new smoking buddy in the cool, teasing Tayama, but Sasaki doesn’t realize he already knows her.”
The manga has gained significant popularity in Japan for its relatable tone. The author, Jinushi, previously worked in customer service and is familiar with daily life in retail, which adds authenticity to the story.
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What Fans Are Saying
The early release has generated positive reactions from anime fans on social media. Many viewers appreciate getting a head start on the Summer 2026 season. The adult-focused slice-of-life genre is less common in anime, which typically focuses on younger characters. Fans have compared the show’s cozy vibe to series like Barakamon, Wotakoi, and Spice and Wolf.
Keep visiting VvipTimes for more anime news, early release updates, and streaming guides for the Summer 2026 season.
