Aniplex has just unveiled its next major original anime project, and it comes with a vibrant aesthetic, an emotional theme, and a creative team that fans will instantly recognize. Titled GROW UP SHOW: Sunflower Circus, this new anime is being developed by A-1 Pictures in collaboration with its new internal label, Psyde Kick Studio. The announcement came on July 14, a date celebrated in Japan as Sunflower Day, making it a symbolic and fitting time to introduce a show that revolves around growth, performance, and personal evolution.
The buzz surrounding this project is amplified by the return of Kurehito Misaki, the acclaimed illustrator of the Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend light novel series. His involvement ensures that the visual tone of Sunflower Circus will carry the same elegance, polish, and emotional resonance that made Saekano so beloved. The character designs already revealed in the teaser visuals suggest a delicate blend of whimsy and grounded drama, hinting at the show's deeper narrative core.
Directing this new adventure is Kanta Kamei, the director behind both seasons of the Saekano anime and its theatrical film. Fans familiar with his ability to balance character emotion with sharp visual storytelling will likely be thrilled to see his return at the helm. He brings with him a trusted sense of pacing and emotional nuance that could turn Sunflower Circus into something truly special.
The story composition is being handled by Takeshi Kikuchi, known for his work on Skeleton Knight in Another World. This choice suggests a possible blend of fantasy, self-discovery, and strong character arcs, though the exact premise of Sunflower Circus remains tightly under wraps for now. What is known is that the show will likely emphasize growth and transformation, drawing inspiration from both performance art and emotional coming-of-age narratives.
While A-1 Pictures continues to build on its impressive catalog of hits like Solo Leveling, Lycoris Recoil, and 86 EIGHTY-SIX, GROW UP SHOW: Sunflower Circus also marks the debut of its newly launched Psyde Kick Studio. This internal label was established to give creators more freedom and flexibility, allowing them to experiment with form, storytelling, and emotional depth. Psyde Kick Studio’s involvement signals that this anime may carry a more experimental or heartfelt tone, different from the more mainstream titles A-1 typically produces.
The official trailer offers only a brief glimpse, but its tone is unmistakable. Filled with quiet intensity, warm colors, and surreal imagery, it hints at a narrative that intertwines magic and performance, possibly centered around a troupe of characters brought together by dreams, ambition, or emotional need. The “Sunflower” motif, often a symbol of loyalty and growth in Japanese culture, may play a central thematic role.
Fans can now follow the project’s development through its newly launched website and official X (formerly Twitter) page. The visuals, creative pedigree, and studio collaboration have already made Sunflower Circus one of the most anticipated original anime titles currently in development. With such a strong foundation, this could easily be one of the emotional highlights of the coming year.
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