The popular shojo manga "Tamon's B-Side?," serialized in "Hana to Yume" (Hakusensha), is getting an anime adaptation.

The cast includes Saori Hayami (as Utage Kinoshita), Sho Hatano (as Tamon Fukuhara), Shoya Chiba (as Ouri Sakaguchi), Tasuku Hatanaka (as Keito Tachibana), Kohei Amasaki (as Natsuki Ishibashi), and Ryuho Nagaoka (as Rintaro Kai).

Chika Nagaoka will be directing, with J.C.STAFF handling the animation production.

"Tamon's B-Side?" is a highly popular shojo manga by Yuki Shiwasu. The story follows high school student Utage Kinoshita, who, while working as a housekeeper, ends up at the house of her favorite idol, Tamon Fukuhara of the popular idol group F/ACE. Contrary to his sexy and wild idol persona, Tamon is actually quite self-deprecating. Utage dedicates herself to supporting him, leading to a lively rom-com full of dramatic contrasts.

cast interview

Author Yuki Shiwasu
- How do you feel about the anime adaptation and do you have a message for the fans?
It has always been a dream of mine to see my manga become an anime, so I am extremely happy! I’m excited to see how Utage and the others will talk and move in the anime. Since the music of F/ACE cannot be expressed through just text and drawings, I'm particularly interested in what kind of songs will be created through the voice actors. The anime staff is currently working hard, and I look forward to helping in any way I can as we await the broadcast!

Saori Hayami (as Utage Kinoshita)
- What are your impressions and appeal of "Tamon's B-Side?"?
The unique personalities and contrasts of the characters are fascinating, and the balance of comedy and seriousness is perfect—it’s a series you can’t stop once you start. The fierce and sometimes sincere love for the idol, portrayed in various ways, makes me excited for the adaptation.

- Your thoughts on the character you play and your enthusiasm for the role?
Utage-chan, who even Tamon-kun says is more intense with her on-off switches than he is, is incredibly expressive and sometimes overzealous but has a big, sincere heart. The audition script showed such a contrast that I went all out. I was thrilled to be cast and look forward to recording with a "Tamon-kyo" placard in my heart. Happy birthday, Tamon-kun!

Sho Hatano (as Tamon Fukuhara)
- What are your impressions and appeal of "Tamon's B-Side?"?
It’s a story about Utage, Tamon, and the members of F/ACE growing through various relationships! The different public and private faces of the members and the warm depiction of the love between idols and fans are some of the series' most appealing aspects.

- Your thoughts on the character you play and your enthusiasm for the role?
At first, Tamon-kun seemed gloomy and lacked self-esteem, far from an idol. However, through the manga, I saw him as a hardworking, competitive, and kind person. Instead of "acting" as Tamon, I aim to experience many scenes with him and the F/ACE members as if we are partners, working hard together!

Shoya Chiba (as Ouri Sakaguchi)
- What are your impressions and appeal of "Tamon's B-Side?"?
Utage’s enthusiastic support and unique expressions are comical, yet she clearly distinguishes between the idol and the real Tamon, showing her integrity. The series captures the high-energy scenes and heartfelt moments that uplift Tamon-kun with compelling words, making it very engaging.

- Your thoughts on the character you play and your enthusiasm for the role?
Sakuragi is a highly professional character. In the audition, I focused on the different facets of his work persona and his deeper background. I want to delve deeper into his character, expressing the delicate changes in his feelings. As an actor, I respect and empathize with him and want to reflect that in my performance. I'm excited to see how the dynamic with other cast members and F/ACE will develop. I’ll work hard to make the idol mode of Sakuragi and others appealing to both Utage and the audience.

Tasuku Hatanaka (as Keito Tachibana)
- What are your impressions and appeal of "Tamon's B-Side?"?
As performers, we often feel supported by fans through letters and events. It’s fascinating to get an inside look at the fan's perspective, making the series incredibly engaging. This work shows how love can be both interesting and kind.

- Your thoughts on the character you play and your enthusiasm for the role?
Keito, the leader of F/ACE, appears gentle and sweet. I hope the audience gets to know him through the series. It's a role I’ve never played before, so I’m ready to give my best!

Kohei Amasaki (as Natsuki Ishibashi)
- What are your impressions and appeal of "Tamon's B-Side?"?
The interactions between Utage-chan and the F/ACE members are very entertaining. As someone who has been an avid fan of anime, manga, games, and voice actors, I understand the passion of fans. Now, as a voice actor, I also get a sense of being supported by fans. This series resonates deeply and is incredibly engaging. I believe the theme is something everyone can relate to.

- Your thoughts on the character you play and your enthusiasm for the role?
I love Natsuki-kun. People often talk about public versus private faces, but I believe both are genuine expressions. As a performer, the love and passion shown publicly are very real. This series portrays that beautifully, and I want to bring out the authenticity in Natsuki-kun.

Ryuho Nagaoka (as Rintaro Kai)
- What are your impressions and appeal of "Tamon's B-Side?"?
The curiosity of wanting to see the hidden sides of our favorite characters, while also being hesitant, is captivating. Every character is so charming that I found myself liking all of them. It’s a series where you end up loving everyone, so please look forward to it!

- Your thoughts on the character you play and your enthusiasm for the role?
Rintaro-kun is a man of few words and has a mysterious aura. I’m excited for everyone to see his hidden side. He’s the rap part of the group, so I’ll be practicing rap intensely. Rintaro-kun also has a great physique, so I’ll be focusing on building muscle for the role!

Source : ORICON NEWS