It has been announced that "Grow Up Show ~Sunflower Circus Troupe~," a new original anime by Aniplex, A-1 Pictures, and Psyde Kick Studio, will begin airing as a TV anime in July.
The main cast members playing the "Sunflower Circus" members have also been announced: Tomoka Noda as Mizuka Tsurumaki, Shiori Kurosaki as Sakura Kawasumi, Reo Koyamauchi as Imari Agono, Nanako Ando as Isuzu Isobe, Tomori Kusunoki as Aoi Yura, Yuko Natsuyoshi as Akane Yura, Yuna Kamakura as Shizuku Sakou, Ai Kayano as Svetlana, Ai Kayano as Rin Mamiya, and Rie Kugimiya as Maria. A key visual depicting the circus members preparing to depart while boarding a bus has also been released.
Director Kanta Kamei commented, "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 don't think anything sexual is good, so there's nothing like that, probably. I think it's a film that anyone can easily watch, so I hope you'll enjoy it casually."
Character designer Fukasaki Kurehito said, "Because there are so many characters, I aimed for simple yet distinctive designs so that everyone can easily remember them. While keeping in mind how easy they would be to animate, I also focused on the relationships and balance between each buddy, and I created each one with affection. I think it's turned out to be a wonderful work full of happiness. I hope you will look forward to the broadcast!"
Series composition and scriptwriter Takeshi Kikuchi commented, "I'm incredibly excited right now. I was shown the footage in advance, and it's truly amazing! After watching it over and over again, I now have it playing in the background while I'm working (I've watched it more than 50 times now). Thanks to it, I'm on the verge of memorizing all the lines. I've been blessed with truly wonderful staff members for this project. I can't even sleep with my feet pointing in that direction anymore, so lately I've been sleeping with my feet pointing towards the sky. Just kidding. Anyway, everyone, please look forward to the broadcast!"
The story is set in Japan during the height of its economic boom in the 1950s. Numerous circus troupes are touring the country, performing in the hopes of competing for a spot in the "Circus Collection," a world-renowned festival where only the very best circus troupes are allowed to participate. The story follows the "Sunflower Circus," led by its ringmaster Maria, when a circus prodigy, Mizuka Tsurumaki, arrives for a certain reason. It has also been announced that Yugo Kanno will be in charge of the music.
◇Staff (titles omitted)
Original work: Circus Collection Association▽Director: Kanta Kamei▽Character design: Kurehito Misaki▽Series composition: Takeshi Kikuchi▽Character design/Chief animation director: Kazutoshi Makino▽Assistant director: Satsuki Takahashi▽Action supervision: Masaki Inada▽Picture book design/Effects design: Ayane Matsumoto▽Historical research: Junko Yamada▽Image board: Rokushichi Shitsu▽Art director: Takumi Hashimoto▽Art setting: Eiko Tsunagashira▽Art layout: Yoshiki Taira▽Color design: Kanako Hokari▽CG director: Mizuho Kanda▽Director of photography: Toshiaki Aoshima▽Editing: Kentaro Tsubone▽Sound director: Akiko Fujita▽Music: Yugo Kanno▽Production: A-1 Pictures/Psyde Kick Studio
◇Cast (titles omitted)
Mizuka Tsurumaki: Tomoka Noda; Sakura Kawasumi: Shiori Kurosaki; Imari Agono: Reo Koyamauchi; Isuzu Isobe: Nanako Ando; Aoi Yura: Tomori Kusunoki; Akane Yura: Yuko Natsuyoshi; Shizuku Sakou: Yuna Kamakura; Svetlana: Yuka Iwahashi; Rin Mamiya: Ai Kayano; Maria: Rie Kugimiya
