Crunchyroll Surprises Fans with the Season’s Top Romance Anime Release

This summer’s anime lineup is packed with exciting titles, and there’s a lot to look forward to. On the romance side, the adaptation of *Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You*, originally a webcomic, is shaping up to be one of the standout entries of 2026. Although it won’t officially premiere until July, 12 mini-episodes have already been added to the platform, giving fans an early taste.

Each of these short episodes runs about 10 to 15 minutes and offers a glimpse into the intriguing, noir-inspired world of *Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You*. We meet Sasaki, a weary salaryman whose routine supermarket visits take an unexpected turn when a stranger invites him to smoke with her. This stranger is the enigmatic Tamaya, who beckons him to join her behind the store where the cheerful clerk, Yamada, works.

While other romance anime like *The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity* and *Hana-Kimi* have explored the complexities of young love, *Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You* dives into the often monotonous reality of adult life. In a world focused on the corporate grind, fleeting connections can be hard to come by, making this chance encounter rooted in genuine vulnerability a refreshing take. The story emphasizes the importance of building trust, as Sasaki and Tamaya’s relationship develops gradually, allowing emotions to flourish over time.

The official synopsis for *Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You* reads:

“Sasaki is an overworked salaryman drifting through the corporate grind, sustained by cigarettes and the cheerful service and smile of Yamada, the clerk at his favorite supermarket. But one night after a grueling shift, he arrives late to find Yamada nowhere to be seen. With nowhere left to smoke, his spirits sink—until a pierced young woman calls out to him: ‘You can smoke here.’”

These early episodes are a great way to see if this upcoming romance anime resonates with you. The series will debut in July and will follow a weekly release schedule as part of the summer anime offerings. An official release date is still pending.