The Inspiration Behind the New Arc
The synopsis and preliminary scene cuts of #1 (Episode 1) ``Welcome to the Sunflower Circus!'' from the summer anime ``Grow Up Show ~Sunflower Circus Team~'', which will begin broadcasting on Saturday, July 4, 2026, have been released.
``Grow Up Show ~Sunflower Circus Company~'' is a new original TV anime directed by Kanta Kamei, who also worked on the anime ``Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend,''' with Kurehito Misaki serving as the original character designer, and produced by A-1 Pictures/Psyde Kick Studio.
Storyline and Setting
The story is set around the 1950s. Japan is in the middle of a period of high economic growth, and this is an era in which circuses have become part of people's lives as a center of entertainment. Numerous circus troupes are competing every day to compete in the Circus Collection, an international festival where only the best circus troupes are allowed to participate, by traveling throughout Japan and performing.
The Sunflower Circus, led by leader Maria, is touring all over the country, struggling with the lack of pensions. Then, due to certain circumstances, circus genius Mizuka Tsurumaki arrives. Is Mizuka's encounter with the unique members of the Sunflower Circus a coincidence or necessity? A one-of-a-kind circus show created by girls chasing their dreams begins.
#1 (Episode 1) “Welcome to the Sunflower Circus!” Synopsis
Around the 1950s, Japan was in the middle of a period of high economic growth. When Mizuka Tsurumaki collapses on a rural road in the middle of summer due to lack of money after her father's allowance stops, Sakurasho and Rin from the small and impoverished circus troupe ``Himawari Circus'' rescue her.
Mizuka, who is a circus genius but hates circuses, tries to leave quickly, but she catches sight of Sakurasho dancing gracefully in the air. Is this encounter a coincidence or a necessity? A one-of-a-kind circus show depicting girls chasing their dreams begins.
Episode #1 of the summer anime ``Grow Up Show ~Sunflower Circus Team~'', ``Welcome to the Sunflower Circus!'', will be broadcast on TOKYO MX and other channels from July 4th (Saturday).
Basic information on the TV anime “Grow Up Show ~Sunflower Circus Troupe~”
Broadcast information
Broadcast starts from 24:00 on Saturday, July 4, 2026!
TOKYO MX July 4, 2026 (Sat) 24:00~
Gunma TV July 4, 2026 (Sat) 24:00~
Tochigi TV July 4, 2026 (Sat) 24:00~
BS11 July 4, 2026 (Sat) 24:00~
TV Aichi July 4, 2026 (Sat) 26:25~
MBS Sunday, July 5, 2026 25:20~
AT-X July 10, 2026 (Friday) 21:30~ (*Repeat broadcast: every Tuesday 9:30~/every Thursday 15:30)
*Broadcast date and time are subject to change.
Delivery information
Fastest delivery on ABEMA/d anime store / Sequential delivery on other distribution platforms
staff
Original work: Kirkus Collection Association
Director: Kanta Kamei
Character draft: Kurehito Misaki
Series composition: Takeshi Kikuchi
Character design/chief animation director: Kazutoshi Makino
Assistant Director: Satsuki Takahashi (Taka is "Ladder")
Action supervision: Masaki Inada
Picture book design/effect design: Ayane Matsumoto
Historical research: Junko Yamada
Image board: 67 qualities
Art director: Takumi Hashimoto
Art setting: Eiko Tsunagashira
Art layout: Yoshiya Taira
Color design: Hokari Kanako
CG director: Mizuho Kanda
Director of Photography: Toshiaki Aoshima
Edit: Kentaro Tsubone
Sound director: Akiko Fujita
Music: Yugo Kanno
Production: A-1 Pictures / Psyde Kick Studio
Opening theme "Yurariyurel"
Artist: NOMELON NOLEMON
Lyrics/Composition/Arrangement: Tsumiki
（Echoes/Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.）
Ending theme “DAYS!”
Artist: Aooo
Lyrics and music: Tsumiki
Arrangement: Aooo
（Echoes/Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.）
cast
Mizuka Tsurumaki: Tomoka Noda
Kawasumi Ouka role: Shiori Kurosaki
The role of Imari Agano: Reo Koyamauchi
Isuzu Ikazuchi role: Nanako Ando
Yura Aoi role: Tomori Kusunoki
Yura Akane role: Yuko Natsuyoshi
The role of Shizuku Sakawa: Yuna Kamakura
Role of Svetlana: Yuka Iwahashi
Mamiya Rin role: Ai Kayano
Maria role: Rie Kugimiya
(C) Kirkus Collection Association/“Grow Up Show” Production Committee
