Series synopsis
GROW UP SHOW -Sunflower Circus-, also known as グロウアップショウ ～ひまわりのサーカス団～ is a Japanese animation comedy television series that premiered on Gunma TV on July 5, 2026. It stars Tomoka Noda, Shiori Kurosaki, Reo Osanai and Nanako Ando.
Step right up to 1950s Japan! The postwar economy is booming, but the Sunflower Circus is not. Led by ringmaster Maria, the cash-strapped troupe tours the country in desperate competition for a spot in the Circus Collection–an elite global festival. When circus prodigy Mizuka Tsurumaki joins their ranks, the Sunflower Circus’s fortune shifts, finally giving them a shot at big top glory.
Premise
Step right up to 1950s Japan! The postwar economy is booming, but the Sunflower Circus is not. Led by ringmaster Maria, the cash-strapped troupe tours the country in desperate competition for a spot in the Circus Collection–an elite global festival. When circus prodigy Mizuka Tsurumaki joins their ranks, the Sunflower Circus’s fortune shifts, finally giving them a shot at big top glory.
Premise: We're bringing the circus to you!
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Tomoka Noda as Mizuka Tsurumaki (voice)
- Shiori Kurosaki as Ouka Kawasumi (voice)
- Reo Osanai as Imari Agano (voice)
- Nanako Ando as Isuzu Ikazuchi (voice)
- Tomori Kusunoki as Aoi Yura (voice)
- Yuko Natsuyoshi as Akane Yura (voice)
- Yuna Kamakura as Shizuku Sakawa (voice)
- Yuka Iwahashi as Svietlana (voice)
Supporting cast
- Ai Kayano as Rin Mamiya (voice)
- Rie Kugimiya as Maria (voice)
- Akira Sekine as Nanami Sumeragi (voice)
- Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi as Black Lotus (voice)
- Tsumugi Misono as Kasumi Shirahama (voice)
- Mari Okamoto as Shino (voice)
- Aoto Abe as Boy from Kalmia Home (voice)
- Ryunosuke Oikawa as Boy from Kalmia Home (voice)
- Tsumugi Ando as Girl from Kalmia Home (voice)
- Koyomi Asakawa as Girl from Kalmia Home (voice)
- Nokaze Odajima as Girl from Kalmia Home (voice)
- Eri Suzuki as Mutsumi Kongoji (voice)
Guest cast
- Akira Sekine as Nanami Sumeragi (voice)
- Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi as Black Lotus (voice)
- Tsumugi Misono as Kasumi Shirahama (voice)
- Mari Okamoto as Shino (voice)
- Aoto Abe as Boy from Kalmia Home (voice)
- Ryunosuke Oikawa as Boy from Kalmia Home (voice)
- Tsumugi Ando as Girl from Kalmia Home (voice)
- Koyomi Asakawa as Girl from Kalmia Home (voice)
- Nokaze Odajima as Girl from Kalmia Home (voice)
- Eri Suzuki as Mutsumi Kongoji (voice)
- Yuuki Urushiyama as Sumeragi Circus Member (voice)
- Shiori Sugiura as Sumeragi Circus Member (voice)
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 12 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 12 | July 5, 2026 | September 19, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Welcome to the Sunflower Circus! In 1950s Japan, penniless Mizuka meets two circus girls, sparking a dream-filled new beginning. |
July 5, 2026 |
| 2 |
That Was So Dazzling The "Sunflower Circus" is headed to Toyokawa, a popular and officially sanctioned performance venue. |
July 12, 2026 |
| 3 |
I Don't Want to Show My Scars Determined to surpass "Shiny Lavender", the "Sunflower Circus" prepares for its upcoming show. |
July 19, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Gunma TV |
|---|---|
| First aired | July 5, 2026 |
| Last aired | July 19, 2026 |
| Runtime | 24 minutes |
| Status | continue |
| Schedule | Saturday at 00:00:00 |