A-1 Pictures is producing the original anime "Grow Up Show: The Sunflower Circus Troupe" for a July 2026 premiere, and has announced a joint venture with CloverWorks to open a new animation studio called FLINT BASE in April 2026.
A-1 Pictures is currently in production on the original anime "Grow Up Show: The Sunflower Circus Troupe," set in 1950s Japan and following a circus prodigy. The series is directed by Kanta Kamei, with animation produced by A-1 Pictures and its Psyde Kick Studio label. It is scheduled to premiere in July 2026.
In November 2025, A-1 Pictures and fellow Aniplex subsidiary CloverWorks announced a joint venture to open a new animation studio called FLINT BASE in April 2026. The studio is backed by the Sony Group and is described as a new challenge in animation production focused on drawing and animator work. FLINT BASE aims to serve as an entry point for students aspiring to become animators, while both A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks will maintain their existing in-house animation teams and training systems as the core of each studio.
A-1 Pictures producer Atsushi Kaneko stated at Mumbai Comic Con 2026 that the studio did not create "Solo Leveling" with a global audience in mind, instead treating it as a domestic Japanese production. He said trying to appeal overseas misses the point, and the staff simply aimed to make something good.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself
sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every
fact links the story it came from.
May 30
CloverWorks and A-1 Pictures announced on November 4, 2025, that they will open a new animation studio called FLINT BASE in April 2026. The studio is a joint venture between the two Aniplex subsidiaries, backed by the Sony Group. FLINT BASE is described as a new challenge in animation production, focused on drawing and animator work. The companies stated that the studio aims to serve as an entry point for students aspiring to become animators. They noted that even with ongoing digital innovation, animation still requires the work of many animators. Both CloverWorks and A-1 Pictures will maintain their existing in-house animation teams and training systems, which will continue as the core of each studio. FLINT BASE will operate as a separate entity. The announcement was accompanied by the launch of a recruitment drive for new graduates in 2026, specifically for the role of animator at FLINT BASE. Applications are open until November 28, 2025. The official FLINT BASE website provides further details.
May 30
The original anime "Grow Up Show: The Sunflower Circus Troupe" has released a set of character trailers. The promos focus on the acrobat twins Aoi and Akane Yura, illusionist Imari Ogano, acrobat Isuzu Ikazuchi, flyer Oka Kawasumi, and protagonist Mizuka Tsurumaki. The series is set in 1950s Japan, during the economic boom, when circus troupes travel the country competing for a spot in the "Circus Collection" festival. The story follows Mizuka, a circus prodigy who joins the financially struggling Himawari Circus, led by ringmaster Maria. Kanta Kamei, director of the "Saekano" series, is directing the anime. Takeshi Kikuchi is the series composer and scriptwriter, and Kurehito Misaki is the original character designer. The animation is produced by A-1 Pictures and its Psyde Kick Studio label. The cast includes Tomoka Noda as Mizuka, Rie Kugimiya as Maria, and Shiori Kurosaki as Oka Kawasumi. The anime was announced in July 2025 and is set to premiere in July 2026.
May 17
A-1 Pictures producer Atsushi Kaneko stated at Mumbai Comic Con 2026 that the studio did not create Solo Leveling with a global audience in mind, instead treating it as a domestic Japanese production. He said trying to appeal overseas misses the point, and the staff simply aimed to make something good.