Explore the unique and unconventional manga 'Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You' that delves into the unlikely friendship between a stressed salaryman and a mysterious woman, highlighting the power of shared experiences and human relationships.
Exploring the Unconventional: Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You
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Discover the unique and captivating manga 'Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You' that takes readers on a journey through an unlikely friendship. This article dives into the unconventional storyline, engaging characters, and the power of shared experiences and human connections.
Translated by Amanda Haley and lettered by Kyla Aiko, this manga delves into the intriguing relationship between Sasaki, a stressed salaryman, and the enigmatic Miss Tayama. Together, they find solace in their shared evenings spent smoking behind a supermarket.
Finding Empathy in Unlikely Characters
Despite personal reservations about smoking, 'Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You' manages to create empathy for its characters, showcasing the ability of art to connect with individuals whose actions may differ from our own beliefs. The manga highlights the social aspect of smoking, emphasizing the shared experiences and intimate conversations that often occur during smoking breaks. Readers who have experienced similar situations, such as friends stepping outside to smoke together, can easily relate to this aspect of the story.
The Cool Persona of Tayama
Author Jinushi's motivation for creating this manga was to explore the often 'cool' portrayal of smoking in popular media. Tayama, with her effortlessly cool appearance, exudes an undeniable allure. In contrast, Sasaki appears tired and worn-out, creating an interesting dynamic between the two characters. The manga cleverly plays with the Superman/Clark Kent effect as Sasaki fails to recognize that the angelic supermarket cashier, Yamada, and the mischievous Tayama are one and the same. This contrast between personas adds depth to the story and keeps readers intrigued.
Humor and Emotional Complexity
Tayama's mischievous nature and her enjoyment in teasing the oblivious Sasaki provide plenty of humorous moments throughout the manga. She drops hints about her true identity, but Sasaki remains oblivious, creating a comical yet emotionally complicated situation. 'Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You' also explores the challenges faced by modern smokers, including social ostracization and the limited number of acceptable places to smoke publicly.
The Dichotomy of Yamada's Dual Personas
Yamada's need to adopt two different personas raises questions about societal expectations for women in Japan. In a flashback chapter, readers witness Yamada struggling to maintain a cheerful demeanor while receiving negative feedback from an angry customer. It becomes unclear whether Yamada's true self lies in her Tayama persona or if the reality is more complex. Hopefully, future volumes will shed light on this enforced duality.
Artistic Style and Character Expressions
While the art in 'Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You' is simple and functional, it effectively conveys the characters' emotions. Tayama's wicked smiles, in particular, leave a lasting impression. Jinushi skillfully handles her transformation, making it almost believable that she is two different individuals. Each character is easily recognizable, and the inclusion of the amusing supermarket boss, Goto, adds an element of chaos to the story.
In Conclusion
'Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You' is a delightful and thought-provoking romantic comedy that manages to captivate readers despite its focus on smoking. It explores the unconventional friendship between Sasaki and Tayama, highlighting the power of shared experiences and the complexities of human relationships. While the manga may not promote the healthiest habits, it offers an entertaining narrative that encourages readers to appreciate the art of storytelling.
