When the Tamon’s B-Side anime was announced, I may or may not have completely lost my mind. I’m a huge fan of the manga, and I couldn’t wait to see Tamon—awkward, gloomy, and secretly a total softie—finally brought to the screen.
Episode 1, “You Need Money to Support Your Oshi,” delivered exactly what I was hoping for and then some. It captures the charm of the original perfectly, following high schooler Kinoshita as she unexpectedly becomes Tamon’s housekeeper after his usual cleaner is hospitalized. The absolute shock of accidentally landing a job in your oshi’s home, the surreal realization that you’re seeing his “B-side” that no one else gets to witness, and the joy of being able to support his health and happiness—it’s all here, and it feels just as magical as it did on the page.
The F/ACE concert scene was another highlight for me. It honestly reminded me of Plave (yes, I’m a fan!), and that little touch of stage energy made the idol-world setting feel even more lively and real.
But what really got me was Tamon’s heartfelt plea to Kinoshita—asking her to keep taking care of him. It hit me like an arrow straight to the chest. It’s the kind of moment that reminds you why this story works so well: it’s funny and chaotic, yes, but it’s also sincere in a way that sneaks up on you.
And of course, the OP and ED songs are both A+, setting the mood perfectly and making the premiere feel like a complete package.
If F/ACE were a real idol group, I would absolutely be a fan—and after Episode 1, Tamon would 100% be my oshi.
Tamon’s B-side is currently streaming on Crunchyroll, and if this premiere is any indication, we’re in for a genuinely sweet (and unexpectedly emotional) ride.
I really like this article! Very well-written and well spoken.