I went into Tamon’s B-Side expecting something light and pleasant, maybe a cute idol romcom to slot casually into my weekly watch list. I did not expect to come out of the first episode already sold, or for the second to confirm that this was not just a strong premiere but the start of something genuinely special.
What is Tamon’s B-Side about?
Tamon’s B-Side is a romantic comedy that explores the gap between idol fantasy and everyday reality. The story follows Utage Kinoshita, a devoted teenage fan of the idol group F/ACE, whose admiration centres on Tamon Fukuhara, the group’s charismatic frontman. While Tamon shines on stage as a confident, polished idol, his private self is far more fragile, marked by anxiety and self-doubt.
As Utage becomes unexpectedly involved in supporting him behind the scenes, the series gently examines fan devotion, emotional vulnerability, and the contrast between public personas and private struggles, setting the stage for slow-burn romantic tension grounded in empathy rather than idealisation.
I stream Tamon’s B-Side on Crunchyroll
Tamon’s B-Side Episode 1: You Need Money to Support Your Oshi!
- Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- A near-perfect first episode that nails its premise, delivers sharp comedy and genuine warmth, and sets up irresistible momentum with standout animation and character chemistry.
Episode one of Tamon’s B-Side is an unexpectedly sharp and joyful opener that establishes its premise with confidence and speed. It immediately sells the contrast at the heart of the series: Tamon Fukuhara’s flawless idol persona versus his anxious, self-doubting private self, and Utage Kinoshita’s intense fangirl devotion meeting that reality head-on.
What makes it feel fresh is how openly it leans into duality, obsession, and parasocial anxiety while still playing everything for warmth and comedy. Utage comes across as energetic, sincere, and genuinely funny rather than embarrassing, while Tamon’s gloomy inner monologue makes him oddly endearing.
Their dynamic is clear, engaging, and already emotionally charged, with no one feeling underdeveloped at this stage.
The tone balances comedy, romcom sweetness, and light drama remarkably well, helped by brisk pacing that never feels rushed despite how much ground it covers.
Visually, the episode is a standout: character animation is expressive, the concert scenes look great, and the CG blends far better than expected, backed by catchy music and strong voice performances.
My gut reaction was immediate: I want the next episode now. As a series opener, it absolutely succeeds and is an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys romcoms with sharp character writing and modern idol commentary.
Tamon’s B-Side Episode 2: Do You Like Me?
- Episode Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- A pitch-perfect follow-up that deepens the characters, sharpens the comedy, and proves the series can sustain its energy without losing its heart.
Episode two of Tamon’s B-Side somehow manages to raise the bar set by an already excellent premiere, deepening the core duality rather than repeating it. Tamon’s split between confident idol and anxious recluse is pushed further, but now with movement: his self-doubt is still loud, yet we start seeing small signs of growth, largely because Utage refuses to treat either version of him as fake. Her fandom remains intense, but it never curdles into discomfort; instead, it feels sincere, funny, and surprisingly healthy, especially in how she supports him without crossing boundaries or taking advantage of her position.
The parasocial angle becomes more interesting here, reframed as mutual emotional support rather than one-sided devotion.
Momentum stays high thanks to escalating situations like fan events and public appearances, which heighten both the comedy and Tamon’s anxiety, while also strengthening their bond in believable ways.
The humour lands hard, the romantic tension creeps forward naturally, and the warmth never overwhelms the jokes.
Visually and technically, the episode holds steady, with expressive character acting, strong comedic timing, and music that continues to elevate emotional beats.
Episode two feels like a natural continuation rather than a reset, and if episode one made me want more, this one confirmed that this might genuinely be the romcom I have been waiting for.
Verdict:
Across its first two episodes, Tamon’s B-Side delivers one of the strongest romcom openings of the season. Episode one hooks with a confident, funny, and emotionally aware setup, while episode two proves that momentum is not a fluke, deepening the characters and reframing the idol–fan dynamic with surprising care.
The series balances comedy, warmth, and romantic progression without tipping into discomfort or repetition, supported by consistently strong animation, music, and voice work. After two episodes, it feels sharp, heartfelt, and self-assured, a romcom that knows exactly what it is doing and is already doing it extremely well.
It is simply fun to watch, funny, wholesome, and emotionally readable, while setting up plenty of curiosity about how this idol-and-fan relationship will develop.
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