Aniplex, A-1 Pictures, and its newly formed internal label Psyde Kick Studio have officially announced an original anime project titled Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus-dan (Grow Up Show: The Sunflower Circus Troupe), slated to debut in 2026. The announcement was made on “Sunflower Day” (July 14).
Production Details and Creative Team
The upcoming series will be directed by Kanta Kamei, known for his work on Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend. Kurehito Misaki, the original illustrator for the Saekano light novels, is handling the original character designs for Grow Up Show. Takeshi Kikuchi, recognized for his contributions to Skeleton Knight in Another World, is in charge of series composition and scriptwriting.
Psyde Kick Studio, an animation label recently established by A-1 Pictures, aims to foster “freer and more original expression” within the company, leveraging A-1 Pictures’ existing production knowledge and expertise. Grow Up Show marks the first project to feature this new label in its credits. The studio’s name, “Psyde Kick,” is a blend of “sidekick,” “psycho,” and “psychedelic,” intended to convey a spirit of collaboration and experimentation.
Teasers and Future Information
Prior to the official announcement, Aniplex had teased a mysterious new original anime by A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio, featuring a teaser image with a sunflower. A promotional video using a similar visual, depicting a girl surrounded by circus motifs like juggling, ball juggling, and trapeze, was also released on YouTube.
While the format of the anime (e.g., TV series, film) has not yet been specified, additional details such as story information and cast members are expected to be confirmed at a later date. The project is anticipated to bring a fresh creative perspective, aligning with Psyde Kick Studio’s mandate for innovative animated works.
