5 Best Anime Like Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You

If you are looking for an anime like Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You, a strong match is Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku. Both series feature adult romance set against the backdrop of working life, where characters reveal their true, hidden selves to one another in quiet moments. They share a focus on comedy and slice of life that is both comforting and relatable.

The appeal of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You (romaji: Super no Ura de Yani Suu Futari) lies in its blend of themes: the exhaustion of the corporate grind, the healing power of a simple connection, and a character with two very different sides. The recommendations on this list were chosen because they share these core elements, from the workplace setting and slow-burn adult relationships to the comforting iyashikei (healing) atmosphere.

Here is a quick comparison of how our recommendations stack up against the key themes found in Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You.

Key takeaways

• Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku is the top recommendation for its similar adult workplace romance and 'hidden self' themes.
• For fans of the age gap dynamic, After the Rain offers a more dramatic but thoughtful exploration of the topic.
• Call of the Night captures the unique feeling of finding a secret, quiet connection away from the pressures of daily life.
• The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague and Catch Me at the Ballpark! provide lighter, more comedic takes on the core themes.
• All recommended anime feature adult or primarily adult casts, focusing on relationships outside of a high school setting.

What Makes Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You Special?

The core of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is the quiet relationship between two adults finding respite from their daily lives. The story follows Sasaki, an overworked salaryman whose day is brightened by the cheerful smile of Yamada, a clerk at his local supermarket. The show captures the feeling of being worn down by the corporate grind and searching for a small pocket of peace.

This search for peace places the series in the Iyashikei, or “healing,” genre, which aims to soothe the viewer. Instead of high-stakes battles, the focus is on the comforting atmosphere of a shared smoke break. The story finds its drama in subtle conversations and the slow development of a bond between two people. The anime is adapted from the manga of the same name, which began as a webcomic.

A key part of the show's appeal is the contrast between Yamada’s two personas. At work, she is a bright and energetic clerk. But behind the supermarket, she is a quiet young woman with piercings and a laid-back attitude. This dual identity is a central hook, as Sasaki finds himself drawn to both sides of her, getting to see the vulnerability that connects her two worlds.

The romance develops slowly through these shared moments outside their prescribed social roles. He is not just a customer, and she is not just a clerk; they are two people decompressing together. This focus on an adult relationship built on mutual comfort is a change of pace from many anime romances. For those following the series as it airs, the viewing schedule can be found in our Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You Watch Order.

1. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku (Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii) is a strong recommendation for its combination of workplace slice of life and adult romance. The story follows Narumi Momose, who tries to hide her life as an otaku and fujoshi from her new coworkers. Her childhood friend Hirotaka Nifuji, a stoic gamer, works at the same company.

The theme of a hidden self is central to Wotakoi. Narumi’s effort to hide her hobbies from colleagues mirrors the dynamic of Yamada’s dual identity. The series explores finding a partner who accepts the side of you kept separate from professional life. The comedy and romance come from Narumi and Hirotaka navigating their relationship as working adults who prefer gaming to typical dates.

Like Sasaki, the characters in Wotakoi navigate the pressures of office life. The show is grounded in a reality of deadlines and work events, making their romantic entanglements feel mature. The story follows characters who are established in their careers, dealing with adult problems alongside their budding feelings.

While Smoking Behind the Supermarket focuses on a single pair, Wotakoi expands its focus to a second couple in the same office, creating an ensemble dynamic. If you enjoy the premise of adults finding love at work and bonding over shared secrets, Wotakoi offers a story with a more energetic and comedic group dynamic.

2. Call of the Night

Call of the Night (Yofukashi no Uta) captures the feeling of the world after dark. The series follows Kou Yamori, a boy with insomnia who feels disconnected from his daytime life. He wanders the streets at night and meets Nazuna Nanakusa, a carefree vampire who introduces him to the nocturnal world, echoing how Sasaki finds a secret world behind the supermarket.

The show, animated by LIDENFILMS, creates a distinct atmosphere where the quiet, moonlit city becomes a private space for Kou and Nazuna to connect, away from societal pressures. This serves the same function as the smoking alley for Sasaki and Yamada. It is a “third place” outside of work or home where a more honest connection can form.

While Call of the Night has a supernatural framework, its focus is on the quiet, introspective conversations between its leads. Like Smoking Behind the Supermarket, the story is driven by character interaction rather than a fast-moving plot. It explores themes of loneliness, purpose, and the search for meaning, with a melancholic yet comforting tone.

If you enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the idea of two people finding solace in a shared secret, Call of the Night is a good choice. It trades cigarette smoke for neon lights but maintains the feeling of finding a kindred spirit in the quiet hours.

3. After the Rain

For viewers interested in the age gap element of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You, After the Rain (Koi wa Ameagari no You ni) is a relevant recommendation. The story centers on Akira Tachibana, a high school student working part-time at a family restaurant. She develops a crush on her manager, Masami Kondou, a 45-year-old divorced father.

The series is set in a workplace, where the bond between Akira and Masami forms. The show uses this setting to explore how two people at different stages of life find common ground. Akira has lost her passion for track after an injury, while Masami feels he has not lived up to his ambition of being a writer. They both feel stuck and find comfort in each other’s company.

Unlike Smoking Behind the Supermarket, After the Rain leans more into drama. It handles its subject matter with a focus on the characters' emotional states rather than pure romance. The story is less about whether they will become a couple and more about how their friendship helps them both move forward in their lives.

If you appreciate the exploration of a connection between people of different ages, After the Rain offers a more dramatic take on a similar theme. It is produced by WIT STUDIO and is known for its distinct visual style.

4. The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague

The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague (Koori Zokusei Danshi to Cool na Douryou Joshi) is another low-stakes workplace romance with a gentle tone. The series has a supernatural twist: the male lead, Himuro, is a descendant of a yuki-onna (snow spirit). His emotions physically manifest as snow and ice in the office.

The 'hidden self' here is an external force. Himuro’s crush on his calm colleague, Fuyutsuki, causes him to freeze his surroundings. Instead of being put off, Fuyutsuki finds his abilities interesting and offers kind words. Her quiet acceptance of his nature is the core of their budding relationship.

This dynamic is similar to that of Sasaki and Yamada. The romance is built on small, supportive moments in an everyday setting. Fuyutsuki helps Himuro navigate his emotional blizzards, just as Yamada’s presence helps Sasaki get through his tough days. It is a sweet and wholesome series that fits within the iyashikei genre.

Choose The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague if you want the adult workplace romance and the theme of accepting someone's unique side, but with a lighter, more supernatural-focused comedy. It’s a feel-good show that delivers warmth.

5. Catch Me at the Ballpark!

Catch Me at the Ballpark! (Ballpark de Tsukamaete!) is a fitting recommendation for anyone who relates to Sasaki's need for an escape from the corporate grind. The protagonist, Murata, is a weary office worker who finds his sanctuary at a local baseball stadium. While he enjoys the games, he keeps returning for Ruriko, a beer vendor with a reputation for being cold.

The character dynamic parallels that of Smoking Behind the Supermarket. Murata is another tired salaryman, and Ruriko is another service worker with a hidden personality. Beneath her frosty, professional gyaru exterior, Ruriko is secretly a sweetheart. As her first regular customer, Murata is one of the few people who gets to see her warmer side.

The setting functions as a crucial “third place.” The ballpark is to Murata and Ruriko what the smoking alley is to Sasaki and Yamada: a space outside of their normal lives where they can forge a unique connection. The series celebrates finding joy and a personal bond in a simple hobby, framing it as an antidote to the monotony of work.

Leaning into lighthearted comedy, Catch Me at the Ballpark! is for viewers who enjoy the core setup of Smoking Behind the Supermarket but want a more overtly funny and energetic take. It’s a story about how small things—a baseball game, a cold beer, and a friendly face—can make a tough life better.

Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You at a glance

Facts checked against AniList on 2026-09-20.

Frequently asked questions

What is the genre of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You?

Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is a Comedy, Romance, and Slice of Life anime. It is also considered part of the Iyashikei or "healing" subgenre due to its calming and gentle tone.

Is Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You a romance?

Yes, it is a romance series. The central plot revolves around the slowly developing romantic relationship between Sasaki, an overworked salaryman, and Yamada, a supermarket clerk with a hidden side.

What is Wotakoi about?

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku is a romantic comedy about two office workers, Narumi and Hirotaka, who are secretly huge otaku. They decide to date each other, navigating the challenges of an adult relationship while bonding over their shared hobbies like gaming and manga.

Are there other anime about workplace romance?

Yes, there are many anime about workplace romance. This list includes several great examples, such as Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague, and After the Rain, each exploring adult relationships in a professional setting.

What is an Iyashikei anime?

Iyashikei is a Japanese term that means "healing type." In anime and manga, it refers to a genre of stories designed to have a gentle, soothing, and calming effect on the audience. These shows often feature peaceful settings, low-stakes conflicts, and a focus on appreciating the small joys of everyday life.

Keep reading on WeebMeta

• Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You Watch Order

Sources

• AniList: Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You
• AniList: titles AniList users recommend to fans of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You
• Wikipedia: Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You