Fans of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You can now watch the full music video for the anime’s ending theme, “Fiction,” performed by Imase. Released shortly after the anime’s July 9 premiere, the video highlights the series’ gentle romance while continuing its promotional campaign following the television and streaming debut.
A Workplace Romance That Began as a Webcomic
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is based on Jinushi’s manga, which first appeared as a webcomic on X (formerly Twitter) in March 2022 before moving to Monthly Big Gangan later that year. The series quickly gained a loyal following for its grounded characters and mature take on romance.
The story follows Sasaki, a 45-year-old office worker who finds comfort in chatting with supermarket cashier Yamada. One evening, he meets a mysterious woman named Tayama behind the store during a smoke break, unaware that she has a surprising connection to Yamada. The manga has become one of Square Enix’s biggest recent hits. It won the 2022 Next Manga Award in the web category and surpassed 3 million copies in circulation by January 2026.
The anime features different opening and ending themes depending on where fans watch it. The television broadcast uses Zutomayo’s “Ichijiku Kemuri” as the opening theme and Imase’s “Fiction” as the ending theme. The ABEMA streaming version offers a different musical experience. It replaces the opening with Zutomayo’s “Kuzurinen” and uses Imase’s hit song “Night Dancer” as the ending theme. This unusual release strategy gives viewers two distinct versions of the same series. It also allows both Imase and Zutomayo to showcase multiple songs throughout the anime’s run.
Imase Returns With “Fiction”
The release of “Fiction” marks Imase’s first new song since returning from hiatus. The track was written specifically for Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You and draws inspiration from city pop to match the anime’s quiet and emotional atmosphere.
Imase has shared that he has been a fan of Jinushi’s manga for years. He said the story’s small but meaningful moments between Sasaki and Yamada inspired him to write the song. The singer also explained that “Fiction” reflects the uncertainty and growing feelings between the two main characters. The result is a gentle ending theme that complements the anime’s slow-building romance.
Cast, Staff, and Where to Watch
The anime is produced by Asahi Production, with Masato Suzuki and Aori Mori directing the series. Mio Inoue handles the series composition, while Yasuka Otaki designs the characters. Takuya Satō voices Sasaki, while Seena Hoshiki plays both Yamada and Tayama, reflecting one of the story’s biggest mysteries. The voice cast brings the manga’s subtle character interactions to life.
International viewers can stream Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You on Crunchyroll as new episodes are released during the Summer 2026 anime season. The anime focuses on quiet conversations, hidden identities, and the gradual development of its central relationship. Rather than relying on dramatic moments, it tells its story through small everyday interactions.
Imase’s “Fiction” captures that same feeling and reflective sound. The song reinforces the emotional tone of each episode while highlighting the growing bond between Sasaki and Yamada. Together with Zutomayo’s opening theme, the soundtrack helps define the series’ atmosphere. The contrast between the energetic opening and the softer ending leaves viewers with the same warm, bittersweet feeling that has made the manga so popular.
