The popular anime series Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You continues its weekly run, and viewers are eager to know when Episode 5 will arrive. Based on the manga by Jinushi, this romantic comedy has gained a strong following for its realistic take on adult relationships and workplace life. The show follows Sasaki, an overworked salaryman, and his evolving connection with Yamada, a cheerful supermarket clerk.
Episode 5 is scheduled to release on Thursday, August 6, 2026. New episodes drop weekly on Thursdays, following the pattern established since the series premiered on July 9, 2026. The broadcast time on Japanese television (TBS) is 11:56 PM JST. For international viewers, the episode will be available on streaming platforms shortly after the Japanese broadcast.
Where to Watch Episode 5
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You streams on multiple platforms worldwide. Crunchyroll is the primary streaming home for the series, carrying both the subtitled and dubbed versions. The English dub began streaming from July 23, 2026.
Other platforms where the series is available include:
- Netflix (in select regions)
- Crunchyroll Amazon Channel
- Sony Liv
In Japan, the series also streams on ABEMA. The show airs on TBS and its 27 affiliated channels across Japan.
The series was released early as 12 mini-episodes on June 3, 2026, on ABEMA in Japan and Crunchyroll worldwide. These mini-episodes covered the equivalent of the first six full episodes. The regular television broadcast began on July 9, 2026, with full-length episodes airing weekly.
What Happened in Episode 4
Episode 4, which aired on July 30, 2026, focused on Sasaki’s struggle with modern technology. His old flip phone finally broke, and his colleague Suzuki told him to get a smartphone. Sasaki initially resisted, insisting his old phone still worked.
The episode showed Tayama (who is secretly Yamada) helping Sasaki learn how to use his new smartphone. The situation became awkward when Tayama got jealous of how Sasaki talked about Yamada. She tried to get a reaction from him with teasing comments, but Sasaki’s innocent nature made her efforts fail.
The episode explored the growing connection between the two characters. Tayama’s feelings became more visible as she struggled with her dual identity. The review from Anime News Network noted that it was “cute seeing Tayama/Yamada get flustered” as she tried and failed to get a rise out of Sasaki.
A review from Bubbleblabber described Episode 4 as “another fantastic episode that proves this series doesn’t need dramatic twists or fast-paced romance to be engaging”. The series uses a slow-burn approach to storytelling that keeps viewers invested in the characters’ relationship.
The Story So Far
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You tells the story of Sasaki, a middle-aged office worker who finds relief from his exhausting job through cigarettes and the friendly smile of Yamada, a cashier at his local supermarket.
After a tough day at work, Sasaki goes to the supermarket but finds Yamada is not there. With nowhere else to smoke, his spirits drop until a pierced young woman calls out to him, saying “You can smoke here”. This woman is Tayama, who is actually Yamada in disguise.
The series follows their meetings behind the supermarket as they smoke together and share their problems. Their feelings for each other begin to grow, but both characters are hesitant to move forward. Sasaki is too shy to act on his feelings, while Yamada keeps the secret of her Tayama identity.
Episode 3 showed Sasaki feeling jealous when he heard about Tayama’s relationship with a coworker who transferred back to the store. This jealousy pushed him to consider taking action.
Episode 5 will likely continue exploring these relationship dynamics. The episode description mentions that during a heat wave, Sasaki has an accident in the supermarket’s smoking area. Things get very busy at his workplace, and viewers will see how he handles this difficult situation.
Why You Should Watch This Series
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You stands out among summer 2026 anime offerings. A review from CBR called it “a 10/10 masterpiece after just 4 episodes”. The chemistry between Sasaki and Yamada feels mature and realistic.
The series works because of its grounded approach to romance. It does not rely on dramatic twists or fast-paced storytelling. Instead, it builds its story slowly, allowing viewers to connect with the characters and their struggles.
The voice cast brings the characters to life effectively. Takuya Sato voices Sasaki, Seena Hoshiki voices Yamada, and Toa Yukinari voices Goto. The animation is handled by Asahi Production.
The opening theme song is “Ichijiku Kemuri” by Zutomayo. The ending theme is titled “Fiction”.
The series has been well-received by critics and audiences alike. It ranked 7th in Anime Corner’s Week 1 rankings for Summer 2026 and was the 5th most anticipated anime of the season.
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What to Expect in Episode 5
Episode 5 will show Sasaki dealing with a busy period at work while trying to maintain his smoking sessions behind the supermarket. The heat wave mentioned in the episode description adds to the pressure he faces.
The accident in the smoking area is likely to create an awkward situation between Sasaki and Yamada/Tayama. How they handle this moment could move their relationship forward or create new complications.
With the series having established its slow-burn romance, Episode 5 will probably continue developing the characters’ feelings while maintaining the show’s gentle, realistic tone. Viewers who enjoy character-driven stories with mature relationships will find plenty to appreciate.
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