Image: Circus Collection Association / Grow Up Show Produktionskomitee
AMBot | 06/14/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The highly anticipated original anime 'Grow Up Show – Himawari no Circus-dan' will premiere on July 4, 2026. Produced by Aniplex in collaboration with studios A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio, the series has unveiled a new key visual and two promotional videos, offering first glimpses of the opening and ending theme songs.
Set in Japan during the late 1950s—a period of rapid economic growth when circuses were a major form of entertainment—the story follows the financially struggling 'Himawari Circus' troupe as they travel from tour to tour, fighting for survival. One day, the prodigy Mizuka Tsurumaki (voiced by Tomoka Noda) joins the performers for reasons unknown. With her extraordinary physical abilities, she breathes new life into the troupe, fueling their hope of one day participating in the prestigious international festival 'Circus Collection.'
The key visual, personally drawn by character designer and chief animation director Kazutoshi Makino, depicts the entire Himawari Circus cast in the midst of their respective acts. Alongside Mizuka are: trapeze artist Ouka Kawasumi (Shiori Kurosaki), shy magician Imari Agano (Reo Osanai), hot-headed acrobat Isuzu Ikazuchi (Nanako Ando), twin acrobats Aoi (Tomori Kusunoki) and Akane Yura (Yuuko Natsuyoshi), trapeze safety spotter Shizuku Sakawa (Yuna Kamakura), tightrope walker Svetlana (Yuka Iwahashi), clown and circus director Maria (Rie Kugimiya), and accountant and all-rounder Rin Mamiya (Ai Kayano).
The opening theme is titled 'Yurari Yureru' by the duo NOMELON NOLEMON, while the ending theme 'DAYS!' is performed by the rock band Aooo. Both songs were composed and written by Tsumiki, who is also a member of both groups. The corresponding promotional videos have been available on the official website and social media channels since June 13. In a statement, Tsumiki explained that he deliberately tailored the music to the physical and emotional dimensions of the circus, aiming to make the troupe's tension and unity audible.
The first broadcast will air on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 24:00 on TOKYO MX and BS11, as well as other channels such as MBS and AT-X. The series will also be simulcast on streaming services ABEMA and d Anime Store (and later on many other platforms). Directed by Kanta Kamei, with original character designs by Kurehito Misaki and scripts by Takeshi Kikuchi, the music is composed by Yugo Kanno. Production is handled by A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio.
Set in Japan during the late 1950s—a period of rapid economic growth when circuses were a major form of entertainment—the story follows the financially struggling 'Himawari Circus' troupe as they travel from tour to tour, fighting for survival. One day, the prodigy Mizuka Tsurumaki (voiced by Tomoka Noda) joins the performers for reasons unknown. With her extraordinary physical abilities, she breathes new life into the troupe, fueling their hope of one day participating in the prestigious international festival 'Circus Collection.'
The key visual, personally drawn by character designer and chief animation director Kazutoshi Makino, depicts the entire Himawari Circus cast in the midst of their respective acts. Alongside Mizuka are: trapeze artist Ouka Kawasumi (Shiori Kurosaki), shy magician Imari Agano (Reo Osanai), hot-headed acrobat Isuzu Ikazuchi (Nanako Ando), twin acrobats Aoi (Tomori Kusunoki) and Akane Yura (Yuuko Natsuyoshi), trapeze safety spotter Shizuku Sakawa (Yuna Kamakura), tightrope walker Svetlana (Yuka Iwahashi), clown and circus director Maria (Rie Kugimiya), and accountant and all-rounder Rin Mamiya (Ai Kayano).
The opening theme is titled 'Yurari Yureru' by the duo NOMELON NOLEMON, while the ending theme 'DAYS!' is performed by the rock band Aooo. Both songs were composed and written by Tsumiki, who is also a member of both groups. The corresponding promotional videos have been available on the official website and social media channels since June 13. In a statement, Tsumiki explained that he deliberately tailored the music to the physical and emotional dimensions of the circus, aiming to make the troupe's tension and unity audible.
The first broadcast will air on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 24:00 on TOKYO MX and BS11, as well as other channels such as MBS and AT-X. The series will also be simulcast on streaming services ABEMA and d Anime Store (and later on many other platforms). Directed by Kanta Kamei, with original character designs by Kurehito Misaki and scripts by Takeshi Kikuchi, the music is composed by Yugo Kanno. Production is handled by A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio.
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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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