Fans who had been eagerly anticipating the release of Tamon’s B-Side got to ring in the new year with a much-needed laugh when the first episode was released ahead of schedule on December 31st.
So what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Tamon’s B-Side answers with an idol who’s flawless on stage but barely holding it together behind the scenes.
this SPOILER-FREE review covers the first episode of Tamon’s B-Side
Tamon’s B-Side Synopsis
Tamon Fukuhara is the leading heartthrob of the five-member group F/ACE. Tamon lives to deliver glimmering performances and unforgettable fan service to adoring fans. Still, hidden in the shadows off stage, anxiety swallows that polished persona whole and spits out his genuine, gloomy demeanor. When devoted fangirl Utage Kinoshita winds up working for him in a setup that feels like it’s straight out of a fanfic, she accidentally discovers how painfully human the idol she worships really is.
While the world continues to praise Tamon for his perfection, Miss Kinoshita seizes the opportunity to support the person struggling behind the act. The two form a bond that no amount of money, luck, or wish fulfillment could ever buy. Could every fan’s worst nightmare turn out to be a dream in disguise?
Now that my synopsis is out of the way… here’s how I feel about the first episode.
First Impressions
Just like the manga, the anime moves fast, but the timing of minor events seems to have been adjusted to make Tamon and Utage’s union feel more organic. If you haven’t read the manga and have no idea what I’m talking about—don’t worry! Although the absurdity of this story is what makes it such a phenomenal gag, these adjustments help smooth out the development between the characters. Some details have been delayed, while others were expanded beyond what was depicted in the manga.
There was no hesitation in showing off Tamon’s bandmates and their collective talent. Tamon, Ouri, Natsuki, Keito, and Rintaro serve us three hits in one episode. We’re reeled in with a snippet of “F/ACE OFF” and prepared for the end with a full performance of “Supernova.” The episode then closes out with “Eyes on You” as the outro.
The Voice Acting
Tamon’s B-Side is getting the anime adaptation it deserves, and not only can you see how much love went into bringing it to life—you can hear it beyond the music.
I believe every voice actor suited their character, but I was especially impressed by Saori Hayami’s performance as Utage Kinoshita. She is wildly entertaining, displaying an impressive range that keeps your attention engaged. This is a series I’ll thoroughly enjoy watching with subtitles. The dramatic scoring used during Tamon’s anxious “fantasies” versus Utage’s more self-gratifying visions was also hilarious. You can tell the editors had fun choosing how to elevate the dialogue.
The 3D CGI
I’m not usually a fan of 3D elements in 2D work, but here they’re nowhere near as jarring as the techniques used in Wandance. I’d say I’m impressed by how the 3D technology was implemented. The adaptation gives F/ACE a strong foundation to become a real success, should the creators choose to push the concept beyond the anime. F/ACE could genuinely go toe-to-toe with the likes of PLAVE…
Final Thoughts
Aside from making Utage younger, I’m trusting the decisions being made with the adaptation so far. The animation style maintains a perfect blend of modern shoujo energy with the retro touch that defines Yuki Shiwasu’s art. Above all, it still makes me wanna kick my feet up with a giggle. As Utage’s affection for Tamon becomes more personal, the subtle tension between them has me dying to know what’ll happen next—as if I don’t already know.
I genuinely believe Tamon’s B-Side will be a shoujo worth keeping an eye on in 2026, and I’m rooting for its success. Here’s hoping the quality stays consistent… I have a feeling I’ll wish I could watch this again for the first time once the season wraps.
Pros
- Stronger character development
- Visual and musical quality is excellent
- Vibrant, unique visuals and a catchy soundtrack
- Voice acting is strong and suits characters perfectly
- Perfect balance between relatable internal struggles and romance among its absurd humor
Cons
- Utage Kinoshita is made younger
- 3D elements could blend with the 2D style better
- Some viewers may feel that the story moves too quickly
More Details about Tamon’s B-Side
Tamon’s B-Side is the latest shoujo work from Yuki Shiwasu, best known for her series Takane to Hana (2014–2020). The manga began serialization in Hakusensha’s shoujo magazine Hana to Yume in October 2021, following a one-shot released earlier that August. Viz Media picked up the publication license and began releasing English volumes in October 2023, and the anime adaptation is currently being produced by J.C.Staff.
