The team behind Solo Leveling is shifting gears with a new original project. A-1 Pictures, the acclaimed animation studio, has released the first promotional video for Grow Up Show ~Sunflower Circus~, giving audiences their first real look at this colorful circus-themed series.
The new anime comes from A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio, the same team that worked on Solo Leveling. While fans wait for news about the popular action series’ third season, the studio is preparing to deliver something completely different this summer.
The first PV and key visual dropped on March 23, 2026, confirming the anime will begin broadcasting in July 2026. The trailer introduces the main characters and shows the visual style of the 1950s Japan setting.
Story and Setting of Grow Up Show
The story takes place in Japan during the 1950s economic boom. This was a time when circus performances became a major form of entertainment across the country. Many traveling circus groups moved from town to town, all competing for a spot in the “Circus Collection,” a famous worldwide festival that only accepts the best acts.
The story follows Himawari Circus (Sunflower Circus), led by ringmaster Maria. The troupe struggles with money problems but keeps traveling to perform. Their luck changes when a circus prodigy named Mizuka Tsurumaki arrives. Her talent and fresh approach shake up the world of entertainment.
Staff Behind the New Anime
Kanta Kamei serves as director. He previously worked on Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend. He shared his thoughts about the project:
“I wonder how long it’s been since a certain important person asked me, ‘Why don’t you direct it?’ We went back and forth on the script many times, and little by little, we all created the story together. I think it’s a film that anyone can easily watch, so I hope you’ll enjoy it casually.”
The original character designs come from Kurehito Misaki, who also worked on the Saekano light novels. Takeshi Kikuchi, known for Skeleton Knight in Another World, handles series composition and scriptwriting.
Yugo Kanno is composing the music. The production team includes Kazutoshi Makino as character designer and chief animation director, with Masaki Inada serving as action supervisor.
Voice Cast for Grow Up Show
The voice cast features several well-known talents. Tomoka Noda voices the lead character Mizuka Tsurumaki. Rie Kugimiya, a veteran voice actor, plays the circus leader Maria.
Other cast members include:
- Shiori Kurosaki as Oka Kawasumi
- Reo Osanai 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
What This Means for A-1 Pictures
Psyde Kick Studio, a new label launched by A-1 Pictures, is co-producing the series. This brand focuses on working with younger creators and developing new ideas for animation.
The first PV released on Aniplex’s YouTube channel. An official website and Twitter account for the anime are now live, where fans can find more updates.
While Solo Leveling remains one of A-1 Pictures’ most famous shows, the studio continues to work on multiple projects. In March 2026, they also confirmed an anime adaptation of the manga Bless, set to debut next year.
For global audiences, streaming details have not yet been announced. More information about where to watch Grow Up Show outside Japan is expected closer to the July 2026 premiere date.
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