The summer anime season continues with another exciting episode of Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus. Episode 8 is set to arrive this weekend, and fans are eager to see what happens next for the struggling circus troupe. The show, produced by Aniplex, A-1 Pictures, and Psyde Kick Studio, has been gaining attention for its unique 1950s Japan setting and heartfelt story about chasing dreams against all odds.
The series follows the Sunflower Circus, a small traveling circus led by ringmaster Maria that constantly struggles with money problems. The story takes a turn when Mizuka Tsurumaki, a circus prodigy who actually hates the circus, joins the group. Episode 8 continues this journey as the troupe faces new challenges and Mizuka prepares for a major performance.
Episode 8 Release Date and Time
Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus episode 8 releases on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The show follows a weekly Saturday release schedule, with new episodes arriving every weekend.
The episode drops at the following times across different regions:
| Time Zone | Release Time |
|---|---|
| Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) | 9:00 AM |
| Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) | 10:00 AM |
| Central Daylight Time (CDT) | 11:00 AM |
| Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) | 12:00 PM |
| Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | 4:00 PM |
| Japan Standard Time (JST) | August 23, 12:00 AM (midnight) |
For viewers in India, the episode will be available around 9:30 PM IST on Saturday. Australian audiences in the Sydney time zone can expect the episode at approximately 2:00 AM AEST on Sunday, August 23.
The series will have a total of 13 episodes, with new episodes continuing through September 2026.
Where to Watch Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus
Crunchyroll is the official streaming platform for Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus. The anime is available to stream on Crunchyroll with both English subtitles and an English dub. Viewers in the United States can also access the series through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel.
The series airs on TOKYO MX, BS11, and other Japanese networks as well. For international viewers, Crunchyroll remains the primary platform to watch the show as it releases.
The English dub features a talented voice cast including Lizzie Freeman as Mizuka Tsurumaki, Cristina Vee as Ouka Kawasumi, Risa Mei as Imari Agano, and Cassandra Lee Morris as Maria.
Episode 7 Recap: A Circus Showdown
Episode 7, titled “I Don’t Get The Circus,” aired on August 15, 2026. The episode brought major developments for the Sunflower Circus and its newest member.
The episode began with Mitscher telling Mizuka that she does not truly understand the circus. This statement hit Mizuka hard, leaving her feeling frustrated and unable to hide her disappointment. Meanwhile, the other troupe members learned the truth about why Mizuka had grown to hate the circus in the first place.
A major turning point came when Mitscher challenged Mizuka to a trapeze showdown. The stakes were high: if Mizuka and Ouka could perform better than Mitscher, he would pay off all of Mizuka’s debts. This challenge pushed Mizuka to step up and prove herself.
Rin also brought bad news to the group, adding to the tension. The episode revealed that Black Lotus, the former leader of the Lotus Circus and Mizuka’s father, had decided to disband the group because of his own declining abilities. This revelation added more weight to Mizuka’s personal struggles.
The episode ended with Mizuka accepting Mitscher’s challenge and returning to the group with determination. The troupe members all looked serious as they prepared for what comes next.
Fans reacted strongly to episode 7, with many praising the character development and the deepening mystery around Mizuka’s past. Viewers were particularly interested in the conflicts between characters and the bonds forming within the circus troupe.
What to Expect in Episode 8
Episode 8 is titled “The One Thing She Had Always Wanted”. The episode will see Mizuka take the stage as a performer for the first time. However, she appears anxious and unsettled about the performance.
According to the official synopsis, Mizuka confides her worries to Sakurato and trusts his advice before stepping onto the trapeze stage. This moment marks a significant step for Mizuka, who has been hesitant about fully embracing circus life.
The episode also features the top-tier Blue Rose Circus from the Sumeragi Group performing nearby. This creates additional pressure for the Himawari Circus, as they face another show with a disappointingly small audience. The competition from the larger, more successful circus troupes continues to be a major obstacle for the Sunflower Circus.
Preview images for episode 8 have been released, showing Mizuka in her performance outfit and giving fans a glimpse of the upcoming trapeze sequences. The episode promises to deliver emotional moments as Mizuka confronts her fears and takes a major step forward in her journey.
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Cast and Production Details
Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus features an impressive voice cast in both Japanese and English.
Japanese Cast:
- Tomoka Noda as Mizuka Tsurumaki
- 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
- Rie Kugimiya as Maria
- Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi as Black Lotus
The series is directed by Kanta Kamei, known for his work on Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend, with scripts written and overseen by Takeshi Kikuchi. Kurehito Misaki handles the character designs.
The opening theme song “Yurari Yureru” is performed by NOMELON NOLEMON, and the ending theme “DAYS!” is performed by the Aooo unit.
The show is set in 1950s Japan, during the height of the country’s economic boom. This historical setting provides a unique backdrop for the story, as the circus was a central form of entertainment during that era. Numerous circus troupes traveled throughout Japan, performing and competing daily for a chance to participate in the “Circus Collection,” a world-renowned festival open only to the very best circus troupes.
With episode 8 arriving this weekend, fans can look forward to another exciting chapter in the Sunflower Circus story. The series continues to deliver compelling character drama and stunning animation as it moves toward its conclusion in late September.
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