Grow Up Show Himawari no Circus-dan 5th Visual Revealed: Rin Mamiya & Maria by Misaki Kurehito
The highly anticipated original anime for 2026, "Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus-dan" (Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus Troupe), officially unveiled its fifth pair character visual today (February 17th). This visual was personally illustrated by the original character designer, Misaki Kurehito, focusing on a duo within the circus troupe brimming with contrasting charm—the "all-purpose backstage manager" and the "authoritarian, impoverished troupe leader."
This buzzworthy work, jointly produced by A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio, brings together the golden staff from "Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend" and renowned screenwriter Takeshi Kikuchi. Each new piece of information released sparks fervent discussion among anime fans.
Fifth Visual: The "Calm and the Energetic" Supporting the Circus
In the newly released visual, Misaki Kurehito vividly depicts the duo of Rin Mamiya and Maria with his signature delicate brushwork and mastery of light and shadow. The image not only showcases their character traits but also hints at the true (and arduous) reality of the Sunflower Circus Troupe's operations.
This pair is considered the core of the circus troupe—not the glamour on stage, but a realistic portrayal of the struggle for survival behind the scenes.
Character Introduction: The All-Purpose Manager and the Miniature Tyrant
According to the officially released information, the settings for these two characters are full of dramatic tension and are expected to bring much laughter and emotion to the story:
Rin Mamiya
- Referred to as the "unsung hero"
- Handles the circus troupe's most troublesome accounting work
- Also serves as both medic and cook
- Portrayed by Misaki Kurehito with a calm, intelligent yet somewhat weary demeanor
- It could be said that without her, the Sunflower Circus Troupe might not last a single day
Maria
- The troupe leader of the Sunflower Circus Troupe
- Petite in stature yet wields absolute authority
- The official description particularly emphasizes the "impoverished circus" aspect, conjuring an image of her cutely issuing orders to keep the troupe running while being financially strapped
- Her interactions with Rin are sure to be a major highlight of the series
Overview of the Luxurious Production Staff
The reason "Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus Troupe" stands out among the many new anime for 2026 is largely due to its powerful production staff:
- Original Work/Production: A-1 Pictures / Psyde Kick Studio
- Director: Kanta Kamei — Known for directing the "Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend" series, skilled at handling delicate character emotions and exquisite visual direction.
- Original Character Designer: Misaki Kurehito — A renowned illustrator whose characters combine allure and texture; his original character designs for this project are a major focus for fans.
- Series Composition / Screenplay: Takeshi Kikuchi — A veteran industry screenwriter; his involvement in the anime's script is expected to guarantee narrative depth.
It is worth noting that this work is a key project co-produced by A-1 Pictures and its newly established brand, Psyde Kick Studio, showcasing the production team's ambition to challenge new heights in original anime.
Conclusion
With the release of the fifth visual, the main members of the Sunflower Circus Troupe have been gradually unveiled. From the previously revealed Mizuka Tsurumaki to the current Rin and Maria, each character under Misaki Kurehito's pen possesses a distinct personality and role. This "Grow Up Show," depicting the growth and bonds of circus troupe members, is sure to create a whirlwind in the 2026 anime landscape.
Fans, please stay tuned to the official website for more announcements regarding the voice cast and trailers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is "Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus Troupe" scheduled to air? A: The series is scheduled to air in 2026. Please follow official announcements for the exact broadcast schedule.
Q: Who are the characters featured in the fifth visual? A: This visual features the all-purpose manager responsible for accounting, medical care, and cooking, Rin Mamiya, and the petite yet absolutely authoritative troupe leader, Maria.
Q: Who are the notable members of the production team? A: The director is Kanta Kamei, the original character designer is Misaki Kurehito, the series composition and screenplay are by Takeshi Kikuchi, and it is co-produced by A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio.