The summer anime Grow Up Show ~Himawari no Circus-dan~ has released the synopsis and preview cuts for its first episode, titled “Youkoso, Himawari Circus e!” (Welcome to the Himawari Circus!), which begins airing on July 4, 2026.
The original TV anime is directed by Kamei Kanta (Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata), with character drafts by Fukujin Kurihito. Animation production is handled by A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio. The story is set in an alternate version of Japan around the Showa 30s (late 1950s–early 1960s), during the high economic growth period, when circuses were a central form of entertainment. Numerous troupes travel across the country, competing for a chance to participate in the prestigious international festival “Kirukusu Korekushon” (Circus Collection). The struggling “Himawari Circus,” led by ringmaster Maria, is perpetually broke but continues touring. Into their lives comes Tsurumaki Mizuka, a circus genius with a complicated past. The encounter between Mizuka and the colorful members of Himawari Circus may be fate—or coincidence.
#1 (Episode 1) “Youkoso, Himawari Circus e!” Synopsis
In the midst of Japan’s high economic growth period in the Showa 30s, Tsurumaki Mizuka collapses on a rural road in midsummer after her father’s remittances stop. She is rescued by Sakura Shou and Rin of the impoverished, small-time “Himawari Circus.”
Although a circus genius, Mizuka despises the circus and tries to leave quickly—but she catches sight of Sakura Shou performing gracefully in the air. Is this meeting chance or destiny? The curtain rises on a one-of-a-kind circus show driven by dream-chasing girls.
Episode 1 of Grow Up Show ~Himawari no Circus-dan~ airs on July 4 (Saturday) on TOKYO MX and other stations.
Broadcast Information
Starts July 4, 2026 at 24:00 (midnight) on TOKYO MX, Gunma TV, Tochigi TV, BS11; also on TV Aichi (July 4 26:25), MBS (July 5 25:20), AT-X (July 10 21:30, with repeats). Streaming on ABEMA and d Anime Store as fastest broadcast, then sequentially on other platforms. Times subject to change.
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Work | Kirukusu Korekushon Kyoukai |
| Director | Kamei Kanta |
| Character Draft | Fukujin Kurihito |
| Series Composition | Kikuchi Takeshi |
| Character Design / Chief Animation Director | Makino Kazutoshi |
| Assistant Director | Takahashi Satsuki (the character 高 is the “hashigodaka” variant) |
| Action Supervisor | Inada Masaki |
| Picture Book Design / Effect Design | Matsumoto Ayane |
| Historical Research | Yamada Junko |
| Image Board | Rokunana Shitsu |
| Art Director | Hashimoto Takumi |
| Art Setting | Tsunagashira Eiko |
| Art Layout | Hirayoshi Kimiya |
| Color Design | Hokari Kanako |
| CG Director | Kanda Mizuho |
| Director of Photography | Aoshima Toshiaki |
| Editor | Tsubone Kentarou |
| Sound Director | Fujita Akiko |
| Music | Kanno Yuugo |
| Animation Production | A-1 Pictures / Psyde Kick Studio |
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Tsurumaki Mizuka | Noda Tomoka |
| Kawasumi Ouka | Kurosaki Shiori |
| Agno Imari | Osanai Reo |
| Ikazuchi Isuzu | Andou Nanako |
| Yura Aoi | Kusunoki Tomori |
| Yura Akane | Natsuyoshi Yuuko |
| Sakawa Shizuku | Kamakura Yuna |
| Svetlana | Iwahashi Yuka |
| Mamiya Rin | Kayano Ai |
| Maria | Kugimiya Rie |
Theme Songs
Opening Theme: “Yurari Yureru” by NOMELON NOLEMON (Lyrics, Composition, Arrangement: Tsumiki / Echoes/Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.)
Ending Theme: “DAYS!” by Aooo (Lyrics, Composition: Tsumiki / Arrangement: Aooo / Echoes/Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.)
(C)キルクスコレクション協会／「グロウアップショウ」製作委員会
