Image: Kilkus Collection Association / „Grow Up Show“ Produktionskomitee
AMBot | 03/22/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The production studios Aniplex, A-1 Pictures, and Psyde Kick Studio have announced new details about the original anime series "Grow Up Show – Himawari no Circus-dan" (approximately "Grow Up Show – The Sunflower Circus"). According to a recent announcement, the series will begin airing on television this July. Simultaneously, a new key visual, the first promotional video, the main voice actors, and additional staff members were revealed.
The story is set in Japan during the peak of the economic miracle in the 1950s, an era when circuses were considered central entertainment and deeply embedded in people's daily lives. Numerous circus troupes toured the country, competing for participation in the international "Kirukusu Korekushon" (Circus Collection), a prestigious festival open only to the best ensembles. At the heart of the story is the "Sunflower Circus," led by Director Maria. The financially struggling troupe unexpectedly gains a new member in the prodigy Mizuka Tsurumaki, who joins the group for certain reasons and sets events in motion.
The main cast includes ten voice actors portraying the circus members. Directed by Kanta Kamei (known for works such as "Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend"), the roles are cast as follows: Tomoka Noda as Mizuka Tsurumaki, Shiori Kurosaki as Ouka Kawasumi, Reo Koyamauchi as Imari Agano, Nanako Ando as Isuzu Ikazuchi, Tomori Kusunoki as Aoi Yura, Yuko Natsuyoshi as Akane Yura, Yuna Kamakura as Shizuku Sakawa, Yuka Iwahashi as Svetlana, Ai Kayano as Rin Mamiya, and Rie Kugimiya as Maria. The character designs were created by Kazutoshi Makino.
The musical score is provided by Yugo Kanno, whose work is known from series like "JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure" and the film "Detective Conan: The Fallen Angel of the Highway." His compositions can already be heard in the released first promotional video.
Alongside the announcement, director Kamei, original character designer Kurehito Misaki, and series composer and scriptwriter Takeshi Kikuchi shared their comments. Kamei explained that the team revised the script multiple times and collectively created a story accessible to a wide audience. Misaki emphasized that in designing the numerous characters, they focused on memorable designs that consider both the group's dynamics and balance. Kikuchi expressed excitement about the footage he has already seen multiple times and praised the collaboration with the staff members.
Additionally, a stage event for the series is planned at the upcoming "AnimeJapan 2026" convention on March 29, where voice actors Tomoka Noda, Shiori Kurosaki, and Rie Kugimiya will appear.
The story is set in Japan during the peak of the economic miracle in the 1950s, an era when circuses were considered central entertainment and deeply embedded in people's daily lives. Numerous circus troupes toured the country, competing for participation in the international "Kirukusu Korekushon" (Circus Collection), a prestigious festival open only to the best ensembles. At the heart of the story is the "Sunflower Circus," led by Director Maria. The financially struggling troupe unexpectedly gains a new member in the prodigy Mizuka Tsurumaki, who joins the group for certain reasons and sets events in motion.
The main cast includes ten voice actors portraying the circus members. Directed by Kanta Kamei (known for works such as "Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend"), the roles are cast as follows: Tomoka Noda as Mizuka Tsurumaki, Shiori Kurosaki as Ouka Kawasumi, Reo Koyamauchi as Imari Agano, Nanako Ando as Isuzu Ikazuchi, Tomori Kusunoki as Aoi Yura, Yuko Natsuyoshi as Akane Yura, Yuna Kamakura as Shizuku Sakawa, Yuka Iwahashi as Svetlana, Ai Kayano as Rin Mamiya, and Rie Kugimiya as Maria. The character designs were created by Kazutoshi Makino.
The musical score is provided by Yugo Kanno, whose work is known from series like "JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure" and the film "Detective Conan: The Fallen Angel of the Highway." His compositions can already be heard in the released first promotional video.
Alongside the announcement, director Kamei, original character designer Kurehito Misaki, and series composer and scriptwriter Takeshi Kikuchi shared their comments. Kamei explained that the team revised the script multiple times and collectively created a story accessible to a wide audience. Misaki emphasized that in designing the numerous characters, they focused on memorable designs that consider both the group's dynamics and balance. Kikuchi expressed excitement about the footage he has already seen multiple times and praised the collaboration with the staff members.
Additionally, a stage event for the series is planned at the upcoming "AnimeJapan 2026" convention on March 29, where voice actors Tomoka Noda, Shiori Kurosaki, and Rie Kugimiya will appear.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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