Last Updated: THU Jul 23th, 2026 — NOTE: these guides have been written by Humans, not AIs.
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This EPISODE adapts FOUR MANGA chapters on
VOL#1» Smokes #03 + 04 + 06 + 05 (in that order)
PART I — SMOKE 3PART I — Smelling to Smoke
About that song Suzuki is singing on the first scene…
”I’m clockin’ out early, hey, hey, hey…” (Hayaku Kaeru ze, he he he he hey)…
There are several Japanese pop & children songs with that phrase. One of them is by the songwriter SION: «Hayaku Kaeru» 早く帰ろう (about being completely tired and wishing to go straight home).
Hear it on » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xrGyRF5NV8
DID YOU KNOW…? YABASU Beer.
YABASU is a colloquial expression meaning “Oh-No!”, “Insane!” or “Wild”.
The elephant silhouette is its brand icon, even for non-alcoholic variants (appearing on EP. 6).
» This time Yamada’s charming words and expressions do not have the desired effect on Sasaki.
» Not even a 50% discount on OKAKI crackers is enough good news to lift his spirits (!)
» ONO starts her shift, so Yamada can quickly transform into the teasing Tayama… and look into this mystery!!
Old OPENING TRIVIA
The previous opening for the mini-episodes showed a character referenced in this episode: the Rookie girl at the office. The new intro sequences leaves her completely out —but we love you as much “atta-girl”!
Yamada, how did you change so quick into Tayama!?
» Tayama again speaks on “behalf” of Yamada: she is worried about him being so “down in the dumps”?
» Sasaki is for once, more perceptive than usual. Yamada hasn’t had the time to put her hair in a bun… so it’s all down.
» Again, her insinuating gestures —whispering to his ear— and words, do not have any effect on the innocent Sasaki. In some respects he seems to have been born yesterday!
» Anyway, Sasaki is going to confide in her…
Two manga chapters into one scene…
⚠️ —This next part adapts SMOKE#4 merged with the SMOKE#03 in a seamless way
PART II — SMOKE 4
Is SASAKI scary sometimes?
Yes, he can be intimidating in appearance with his long face —and longer body— but only for a little while, until you get to notice his good-hearted philosophy.
By the way the phrase on that imaginary shouting: “Gora, Gora, Gora…” it’s like a like a disapproving “Hey, hey, hey”.
» The rookie is a fresh college gratuate hire that is under Sasaki’s wing at GENKI Trading. She is unexperienced in a high-pressure environment, so mistakes are to be expected really. She thinks at first Sasaki is scolding her, when he’s awkwardly tying to do the opposite.
» It’s true: Sasaki’s workplace is a sweatshop and the rookie might very well be resigning, not because of him —mostly.
» Referring to Yamada, our white-collar guy thinks she’s sweet even with new hires (true).
WARNING: BIG SPOILER FROM THE MANGA. Do we get to know the ROOKIE’S NAME AND FACE? (click to reveal)
We will, her name is Nitta, and her face is show on such a late chapter as SMOKE#58…
» ONLY ON THE MANGA [Extra Story 3]. At the “After Smoke” 3, Tayama asks Sasaki about how he sees her as less intimidating now. But our red-haired cashier warns him not to trust nice people too soon!
Mr. Sasaki, don’t go anywhere with strangers, even if they are nice to you, OK?
ODD frames: the box with a celery-man!
CREEPY: that box with a celery character —holding what looks like a vegetable peeler— winking at us!
A weird perspective from the rear part of this place…(the text on the box reads “fresh vegetables”).
Showing us her perfect smile!
But Sasaki just can’t believe she’s showing such unexpected cuteness and starts to laugh at the sight!
MANGA vs ANIME. Here you can see the manga version of the “Tayama-smile”.
Now she’s pissed again for him being so dense and laughing at her…
“Remember that feeling and practice more!” she commands.
» ONLY ON THE MANGA [After Smoke 4]. Sasaki practices his “cashier smile” at work as suggested by Tayama. But Suzuki thinks he’s forcing himself to cheer up —and fears that his partner’s soul is crushed. Moved by it, he takes him out for a beer (or more)!
Drinks are on me tonight, Sasaki…
PART III - Expanded scenes and ending of SMOKE#4 The Rookie apologizes » she will be a nice recurrent character from now on around Sasaki’s workplace…
So if you pay attention you’ll see her often on the office, and she’ll be doing much better than right now —thank goodness.
Suzuki is observing, and teases him for being a sort of a “casanova” with the young girl, a thought that immediately rejects our virtuous Sasaki.
Later on, back at the SUPER
This time around the receipt amounts to 1132¥. Sasaki buys some vegetables, those discounted 50% Okaki crackers (he got that offer yesterday, remember) —and beer probably!
Our guy goes away humming a song —maybe that one where he really goes home early!
Yamada wonders how he is so dense not to recognize her smile.
Heck yeah: Yamada’s smile is on his mind all the time, how did he not recognize her immediately?
As he put it himself, it took him off guard and reacted as if it was a parody, not a real smile.
END OF SMOKE#04 in the MANGA.
PART IV - Smoke Number 6Spring is fully Here 🌸
Sasaki is not working today, and he usually buys cigarettes on another store close to home. He’s got some Bon Stars on his bag.
As explained later, he does not buy his packs on the Super S, even if they sell tobacco there.
ONO-chan is replacing her at this late hour.
Fun Fact: Ono’s character design.
She has ALWAYS her eyes closed. And features only ONE expression WRINKLE beside his mouth, on the “right”.
» The Boss (Goto) has addressed a client complain about Yamada’s tobacco smell (!). Something that will be a topic for further fun & tender situations on the next episode.
The red characters in Japanese beside Tayama mean “PISSED OFF”… and are literally transcribed from the manga visuals.
Today our girl has become the “CHAINSMOKER CAT” and has finished several packs, apparently…
DID YOU KNOW…?
This vending machine on the rear part of the Supermarket has an assortment of COLD (blue) and HOT (red) drinks.
» Yamada/Tayama is in fact very concerned about her professional demeanor, and even a small complaint like that, might get her down.
» Sasaki the LIFE PHILOSOPHER »
He introduces the topic of discovering someone’s “not so pleasant side” which usually leads to disappoint some —yeah, those who really don’t care so much about yourself to begin with.
Glorious Tender Scenes (1) »
Lights of a passing-by car, then with a with gentle swift movement: Tayama gets Sasaki cuddled in her leather jacket.
Returning him the same sympathy he is showing to her.
We simply ADORE how, in such an uninspiring environment, they get to express so much affection and emotion using light, music and visual composition, don’t you think?
PINCHING HIS SLEEVE… for the first time!
A classic gesture from Tayama/Yamada that will be a recurrent way of bonding with Sasaki. We don’t know exactly why she does that, maybe it’s a compulsion because she always holds a cigarette on one hand. Or is it maybe a childhood urge that still lives inside her—after all, some children like to pinch adults that way.
Her QUIRKS: she HATES coffee!
In the MANGA (After Smoke #6) she forces herself to drink it, to not waste Sasaki’s good intention & money, but she really isn’t used to the bitter taste of coffee. In Japan, culturally a huge % of its population has no attachment and does not appreciate much coffee — they are overall a TEA nation.
☕️ 🍵
In the case of Tayama/Yamada: she prefers energy and soft drinks in general.
—End of SMOKE#06 in the manga.
PART 5 - SMOKE#5 Cherry Blossom's springQUESTION: Why do some episodes juggle the order of manga chapters?
Some “smokes” work better as episode endings, because of the added emotional impact. That is the case for this last part of EP2.
SAKURA is here!
Spring in Japan is often associated to the cherry trees blossoming, as we know.
» Our “old geezer” hasn’t had his best day, roasted by a client.
Filling in for a colleague, Yamada is on a different shift than usual: and was going to have a break. She has her “Beside Me” pack on her apron pocket —she conveniently tucks it in, to avoid Sasaki’s suspicions.
The chibi versions of these “two girls” often float around when they convey their messages to Sasaki!
The term written on the supermarket sticker is “Nibusuki” = a combination of Dense+Sasaki, but also a playful pun with the Japanese term for “20% off” (as these stickers are meant to be): “nibu-biki.”
You’re both very attentive and thoughtful.
Again a lovely, caring and conversation around the vending machine and the back of the Supermarket. We can see how supportive Sasaki is of “both our girls”!
» Yamada’s mellow voice shows us again her soft side too…
» Again, she’s so cute when slightly flustered, holding to a lock of her hair at times!
(So she feels indeed an urge to clasp things when feeling agitated).
This yellow crate has inscribed “Yoshiichi Fresh Fish“. Will we get to know, sometime later, who is in charge of the fish department?
Glorious Tender Scenes (2) »
Again, the glowing backlight, the score and that lovely framing!
Our hearts melt at moments like this, don’t they?
Manga vs. Anime
It’s not appropriate for your age to have a petal on your head Mr. Sasaki? But it’s “kawaii”…😜
The mischievous Yamada becomes Tayama here for a second!
MANGA vs ANIME =>
She often puts her hair on a bun when going out to smoke… now that Sasaki isn’t going to re-appear, it’s all clear!
PICTURE PERFECT!
Our red-haired girl holding the petal over the cigarettes pack… seems like a moment of appreciation for this rare daylight encounter with Sasaki.
And then she chills while smoking: letting her arm fall loose to make a nice figure in the air… another sign of some bliss, isn’t it Yamada?
EXTRA STORY» (After Smoke#5)
On the manga, Sasaki meets Tayama the next day… and his hair is swarmed by cherry blossom petals —much to the enjoyment of the red-haired cashier!
WARNING: BIG SPOILER FROM THE MANGA. Will the petal scene have a bigger impact later on? (click to reveal)
IT WILL. Read Smoke 32+33 (during NEXT SPRING) and pay attention at the ending —with this image 🌸
(Probably to be adapted during the first episodes of season 2).
END of the EPISODE 02NEW ENDING additional bliss »
Yamada could be acting for a hair shampoo commercial —with that lovely smile and flowing hair!
OLD Ending TRIVIA => #1 answer
Who is with Yamada, while she eats her OKAKI crackers?
Solution: THOSE are GOTO’s hands and her sleeve —when she’s not wearing the Supermarket’s turquoise jacket.
Next: EPISODE 3 will adapt manga chapters 7+8+9
and will introduce GOTO’s character!
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