Original anime project Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus-dan has entered a pivotal new phase. Production partners Aniplex, A-1 Pictures, and its experimental subsidiary Psyde Kick Studio released a fresh promotional video and poster visual spotlighting the series' high-stakes Circus Collection arc, which kicked off with the broadcast of episode 10.
Set against the backdrop of Japan's post-war economic boom in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the series chronicles the wandering Sunflower Circus troupe under the leadership of ringmaster Maria. Facing persistent financial hardship, the ensemble finds new momentum after crossing paths with circus prodigy Mizuka Tsurumaki (voiced by Tomoka Noda). Their collective journey focuses on qualifying for the legendary, world-renowned stage known as the Circus Collection.
Production Staff and Studio Pedigree
The project reunites key creative talent behind popular modern hits:
- Director: Kanta Kamei (Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend, Dimension W)
- Original Character Design: Kurehito Misaki (Saekano light novel illustrator)
- Series Composition: Takeshi Kikuchi (Skeleton Knight in Another World)
- Music: Theme songs by musical duo NOMELON NOLEMON ("Yurari Yureru") and Aooo ("DAYS!")
The production also serves as the flagship showcase for Psyde Kick Studio, an imprint established by A-1 Pictures in July 2025. Supervised by industry veteran Jun Katou (86 Eighty-Six, Sword Art Online), the studio was formed to give creators operational room outside conventional pipeline constraints, fostering experimental workflows and younger animators.
