The original TV anime Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus makes its world premiere on July 4, 2026. This new series from A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio brings a story set in 1950s Japan, where circus troupes travel the country competing for a spot in the prestigious Circus Collection festival.
Episode 1, titled “Welcome to the Sunflower Circus,” introduces viewers to Mizuka Tsurumaki, a circus prodigy who actually hates the circus. After her father stops sending money, she collapses from exhaustion on a hot summer road. Members of the struggling Sunflower Circus rescue her. What happens next kicks off this original anime’s journey.
Episode 1 Release Date and Time
Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus Episode 1 debuts on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The broadcast starts at 24:00 JST, which effectively means Sunday, July 5 at midnight in Japan.
For viewers in different time zones:
- Japan (JST): July 4, 24:00 (effectively July 5, 12:00 AM)
- United States (PDT): July 4, 8:00 AM
- United States (EDT): July 4, 11:00 AM
- United Kingdom (BST): July 4, 4:00 PM
- Europe (CEST): July 4, 5:00 PM
- India (IST): July 4, 8:30 PM
- Indonesia (UTC+7): July 4, 10:00 PM
Where to Watch Grow Up Show Sunflower Circus
Crunchyroll streams Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus worldwide. The platform offers both the original Japanese version with subtitles and an English dub that premieres on the same day.
In Japan, the anime airs on Tokyo MX, BS11, Gunma TV, Tochigi TV, TV Aichi, MBS, and AT-X. Japanese streaming platforms like ABEMA and d Anime Store also carry the show.
English Dub Cast Revealed
The English dub cast for Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus includes several well-known voice actors:
- Lizzie Freeman as Mizuka Tsurumaki
- Cristina Vee as Ouka Kawasumi
- Risa Mei as Imari Agano
- Jenny Yokobori as Isuzu Ikazuchi
- Lisa Reimold as Aoi Yura
- Michelle Marie as Akane Yura
- Katiana Sarkissian as Shizuku Sakawa
- Sky Santacruz as Svietlana
- Kira Buckland as Rin Mamiya
- Cassandra Lee Morris as Maria
Japanese Voice Cast
The original Japanese cast brings together talented performers:
- Tomoka Noda as Mizuka Tsurumaki
- Rie Kugimiya as Maria
- Shiori Kurosaki as Ouka Kawasumi
- Reo Osanai as Imari Agano
- Nanaka Ando as Isuzu Ikazuchi
- Tomori Kusunoki as Aoi Yura
- Yuko Natsuyoshi as Akane Yura
- Yuna Kamakura as Shizuku Sakawa
- Yuka Iwahashi as Svietlana
- Ai Kayano as Rin Mamiya
Behind the Scenes: Staff and Production
Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus comes from a strong creative team:
- Director: Kanta Kamei (known for Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend)
- Original Character Design: Kurehito Misaki
- Series Composition and Script: Takeshi Kikuchi (Skeleton Knight in Another World)
- Character Design and Chief Animation Director: Kazutoshi Makino
- Music: Yugo Kanno (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run)
- Animation Production: A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio
The production marks the first original anime from Psyde Kick Studio, a new label under A-1 Pictures.
Opening and Ending Theme Songs
The music for Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus features:
- Opening Theme: “Yurari Yureru” by NOMELON NOLEMON
- Ending Theme: “DAYS!” by the Aooo unit
Story Overview
Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus takes place in Japan during the 1950s, a time of rapid economic growth when circus performances stood at the center of entertainment. Circus troupes travel across the country, competing daily for a spot in the Circus Collection, a global festival open only to the best troupes.
The story follows the Sunflower Circus, led by ringmaster Maria. The troupe struggles with money problems as they move from town to town. Their situation changes when Mizuka Tsurumaki joins their ranks. Mizuka, a true circus prodigy, actually hates the circus and tries to leave quickly after being rescued. But something catches her attention—she sees Sakura gracefully soaring through the air.
“Was Mizuka’s run-in with the Sunflower Circus a matter of chance or destiny? The one-of-a-kind circus show envisioned by girls chasing their dreams—let the show begin!”
What to Expect From Episode 1
Episode 1, titled “Welcome to the Sunflower Circus,” establishes the show’s setting and main characters. Viewers meet Mizuka Tsurumaki, whose father has stopped sending money, leaving her exhausted and collapsed on a country road in the summer heat. Members of the struggling Sunflower Circus find her and bring her in. Despite being a circus prodigy, Mizuka wants nothing to do with the circus and plans to leave immediately. But watching Sakura perform changes something inside her.
The anime focuses on human connection rather than heavy action. Early reviews describe the show as warm and grounded, following people doing their best with limited resources and finding something worth holding onto.
Main Trailer Released
The production team dropped the main promotional video on July 3, 2026, just one day before the premiere. The trailer highlights the cast members’ determination, their bond as fellow circus troupe members, and some of the circus performances from the show.
Two commercials featuring the opening and ending theme songs have also been released on YouTube.
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Series Format
Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus is an original anime series, meaning it does not adapt from a manga or light novel. The series has one season with multiple episodes. Each episode runs approximately 24 minutes.
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