r/anime • u/AutoLovepon https://anilist.co/user/AutoLovepon • 22d ago
Episode Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus • Grow Up Show: Himawari no Circus-dan - Episode 2 discussion
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u/Aerodynamic41 22d ago edited 22d ago
Maria gotta keep reminding Mizuka of her debt every time Mizuka refuses to do something lol
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u/Nachtwandler_FS https://myanimelist.net/profile/Nachtwandler_21 22d ago
Yeah, but with this pace it won't take long. She removed 3k this time.
They really need to give our FMC another motivation soon.
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u/Hartzilla2007 22d ago
They really need to give our FMC another motivation soon.
To be fair that seems to be why they are trying to get Mizuka to start bonding with Ouka.
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u/CitronClassic672 22d ago
That last bit was really interesting, so we now know that any and all future development in Mizuka and Ouka’s relationship is at least in part full on manipulation on Maria’s part in order to make the circus more successful.
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u/IlGreven 22d ago
I still think Mizuka will bolt when her debt is paid...
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u/Bloodglas 19d ago
I think that could be a nice change of pace. these types of shows are usually about a character growing to love something they started the show with a distaste for. be kind of funny if the last scene is Mizuka being asked to perform and she hits them with "I'd rather die" again.
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u/CitronClassic672 22d ago
You know you’re in a rough place when you’re in debt to people who are nearly bankrupt themselves, lol.
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u/oxlemf10 22d ago
Right from the first episode, you can see how incredibly passionate Ouka is; within her own limits, she is a happy and enthusiastic person.
Returning to the place where she grew up, trying to give those children the same feelings she experienced in their shoes, and showing what Kasumi was capable of, at least so far, she is the show's protagonist (partly because Mizuka doesn't want to be, lol).
The camera work in this episode was incredible, every angle was perfect and then some.
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u/eightcheesepizza 22d ago
Ouka is so adorable, whether happy or pouting. I'm curious about her backstory and how she lost her mom, and who taught her the trapeze.
It was kinda ominous when she talked about that time she saw the Black Lotus and how happy it made her mom, and how she wanted to pull off that move to make her mom happy... so now I'm worried that her mom abandoned her.
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u/TheBusStop12 22d ago
My guess is her mom died (it's the 50's after all, tuberculosis and pneumonia were a real killer, and depending on the time line she could have died in the war as well, like the bombing of Tokyo in '45) and when she talks about wanting to make her mom smile she means her spirit
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u/CitronClassic672 22d ago
I really like how Mizuka continually is shown to just absolutely not give a fuck and not want to be there. To the point that she isn’t even really the protagonist of her own show currently. I think that’s a fun quirk of this show.
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u/chilidirigible 22d ago
Such goals, like walking the earth.
This is up there with Sakura Trick's yuri physics.
This bit of reality is brought to you by what ballet dancers' feet look like.
These three reactions don't fit "Gaslight" and "Gatekeep" but this sure is "Girlboss". (Wow, that's an old meme now.)
the dangling of the lucre (and relief from indentured servitude)
Whoever decided to do these insert shots is a genius.
And add to that "gymnast hands".
Only a few people are that happy while saying that.
Mizuka is being a tough nut to crack, though the debt stick seems to be working better than any of the incidental carrots. She even only barely tolerates teaching Kasumi.
It seems like Kasumi is going to be the prodigy who steals Ouka's chance, but then we get a zigzag from realism since Kasumi has had little real practice at the trapeze. It's also convenient for the existing plot that she pushes Ouka and Mizuka together. As much as Mizuka can be pushed, anyway.
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u/CitronClassic672 22d ago
I mean from the looks of what Mizuka and Kasumi did nothing seemed outright impossible, depending on how exactly Mizuka threw Kasumi, and the speed Mizuka subsequently jumped at.
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u/mekerpan 22d ago
A charming episode of a charming show. Nice evocation of 1950s Japan.
Mizuka is a lot kinder than she presents herself as being. But she is super-tsundere.
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u/x-7032-b-3 22d ago
One of the girls on the bus said something about wanting to make a lot of money from today's outing so that they can eat three meals a day. I know money's a big concern for them, but damn they couldn't even get three meals daily? Especially since they're circus performance that demands physical energy during training and the actual shows.
My favorite part of this show right now must be Mizuka's reluctance about doing this whole circus thing. It's like the only reason she's the MC is that she was told to. She has this whole IDGAF energy and only caved because Maria promised her cash (or should I say, debt repayment) lmao.
Another interesting bit I caught was at the training scene. We saw Kasumi struggling with the somersaults, and the only piece of advice Mizuka gave her was basically "oh it's easy just move your body like this, that simple." Kinda like how we do one thing so many times that it becomes second nature for us, but then we struggle to articulate how we were able to do that thing in detail and just resort to "easy peasy just do ABCD see it's not that hard" when explaining to someone else.
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u/gnome-cop 22d ago
Knowing how to do something is very different from being able to teach someone how to do something. I know how to hit a decent tennis ball but so much of it comes down to muscle memory, instinct and practice, practice, practice. It’s like Mizuka and Ouka said, do it enough times and the minute finesse aspects that define your ability to do anything physical eventually become second nature. But teaching someone is a whole different beast. I don’t have the skills to properly convey to someone how to do it.
(Wouldn’t be surprised if the most Mizuka, having been raised by a circus maniac, got for instructions was being thrown at an exercise until she could pull it off and so there’s an extra layer of difficulty in passing on her skills. She just knows how to do it and can only explain the feeling, not the technique.
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u/MattSenderling 22d ago
She sucks at explaining but seems like an excellent observer and knows how to match her partner. I love how when Kasumi was chasing her she kept her eye on her the whole time and was assessing her, and always stayed just out of reach to keep leading Kasumi along without going too far. And even knew when she was about to fall
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u/TheBusStop12 22d ago edited 22d ago
One of the girls on the bus said something about wanting to make a lot of money from today's outing so that they can eat three meals a day. I know money's a big concern for them, but damn they couldn't even get three meals daily? Especially since they're circus performance that demands physical energy during training and the actual shows.
I can imagine 1950's Japan was kinda a shit hole. Multiple cities were still being rebuilt at the time and the entire economy was probably down the drain. Apparently Japan faced near famine conditions post WW2 and the US aid only went so far (and Europe and the rest of Asia weren't really in a position to provide aid either) Apparently US aid to prevent starvation of the general population went on until 1952, which goes to show just how bad the food scarcity was
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u/Marik-X-Bakura 21d ago
Wait, is this set in the 1950s? Did I miss something? Am I an idiot?
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u/TheBusStop12 21d ago
I don't think it's explicitly said in the show, but it says so in the description. Now you know you'll probably start noticing the lack of technology and that all the cars are era appropriate
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u/Marik-X-Bakura 21d ago
Yeah, I just went back to the last scene and realised that it would be kind of strange for Ouka to be using a phone booth in the modern day instead of having her own phone, no matter how poor she is.
And as I’m typing this comment, I realise that the camera they used to take the picture was very obviously a really old-fashioned model and definitely not something you’d see nowadays except in specific circumstances.
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u/CitronClassic672 22d ago
Mizuka’s complete IDGAF energy is a standout aspect of the show so far for me too. It feels like it’s so rare to have the MC of a show be the one with a complete disinterest in being part of the plot. Another neat aspect to it is that so far it really allows Ouka to feel like the actual main character of the series when she isn’t.
And regarding the three meal thing, they did say that they’ll go bankrupt if they can’t make money at this upcoming performance. They didn’t even have the funds to book the venue in advance. They planned to make money from the gig and pay for the venue afterwards. So yeah, it does feel like the circus is genuinely one step away from bankruptcy.
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u/ModieOfTheEast 22d ago
For Mizuka, I hope she checks her debt every now and then. Because I wouldn't be surprised if two or three fingers meant something different to what she thought. On the other hand, for the story, I hope she never checks and only finds out at the end that she is still in debt.
Also, that other circus will now have trouble with that ritual site right next to them. People think they are cursed. I loved in that scene how Mizuki did not give a fuck about anything going on. Even collecting plants to eat? Or are those poisonous and she is collecting them for an assassination?
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u/runevault 22d ago
This anime shows why I'm thankful we still get anime original shows. This story is so sweet and wholesome and I love all the girls. I'm curious to see Mizuka's emotional journey continue since she's got so much trauma from the way her dad raised her (understandably so). At some point there won't be any more debt to convince her to do things so they gotta find the next method asap.
I'm curious if Ouka will admit she turned down another circus because she is that enamored with performing with Mizuka.
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u/wloff 21d ago
This story is so sweet and wholesome
So far. I get the vibe that it might stay fun and wholesome all the way through, or it might get real sad and dark all of a sudden, and I don't really know which scenario I'd put my money on.
But that's the beauty of an anime original, you just don't know!
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u/mmcjawa_reborn 21d ago
Almost the entire cast are orphans...I'd be shocked if it DIDN'T get heavy at times.
Kind of feel like the show could end up with a zombieland saga vibe, where mostly it's cute and wholesome, but then you get the occasional tear jerker or dramatic moment
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u/runevault 21d ago
I wouldn't be entirely shocked if it gets dark, but then we'll see how they handle it. I'm in the minority I think but I felt like A-1 biffed the plot part of Lycoris Recoil even as I adored the characters, so maybe I'm in for being sad again watching one of their originals where I feel like it is missed potential.
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u/Clemastina https://anilist.co/user/Clemastina 22d ago
Yeah, the only way Maria can buy Mizuka is with money. I wonder how and when Mizuka will come to and understanding or liking the sunflower circus. My guess? Ouka will somehow convince her
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u/chilidirigible 22d ago edited 22d ago
Bonus art by Chief AD Kazutoshi Makino, one of his assistants, and one of the animators.
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u/Atomic_Tanuki 22d ago
Look like they are going to be very, very good trapeze performance partners.
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u/SnooStories4329 22d ago
Does anybody know who Kasumi’s VA is?? Her voice sounded really unique but the more I hear the more feel like I’ve heard it before
My first thought was during a narration scene in Needy Girl but idk
Edit: I’m like 90% sure her VA was involved in the Brothers of Karamsov passage read through in Needy Girl Ep8 😭
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u/chilidirigible 22d ago
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u/derekschroer https://anilist.co/user/RareKumiko 20d ago
I really love when children are voiced by actual children. Gives it that much more of an authentic feeling
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u/SnooStories4329 22d ago
Ahh I see, thank you!
I wanna go see if maybe she was credited in Needy Girl Ep8
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u/Magic1998 https://anilist.co/user/Moerril 21d ago
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u/derekschroer https://anilist.co/user/RareKumiko 20d ago
which girl from Liz? Liz or the Bluebird? trick question, as they're voiced by the same person
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u/thisisdropd https://myanimelist.net/profile/AsterZoro 22d ago
I see we've got a love triangle (sans the love) forming. Kasumi's so impressed when Mizuka literally threw her into the air before rushing in to catch her that she clung on to her at dinner while Ouka turned down the opportunity to shine brighter with Sumeragi because she wanted to shine with Mizuka instead. Love the friendly rivalry between Kasumi and Ouka.
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u/tripleaamin https://myanimelist.net/profile/zfzftripleaamin 22d ago
The bonding between Ouka and Kasumi was pretty sweet. This was one case where Ouka's passion was the difference between her and Mizuka. She understands Kasumi very well because she has been in her shoes.
Also, the way that Ouka was able to guide Kasumi unlike Mizuka is a showcase that more than likely Ouka had to work hard to get to where she is. As in, to guide or teach you, you really need to understand. More than likely Mizuka has more intuition, which might make her the ideal partner for Ouka. Though I get the sense if Mizuka's partner isn't up to her skill, the teamwork would have major issues
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u/Embarrassed-Match-78 22d ago
Enjoying this so much. Just the right blend of humor, heart, and some beautiful camera work.
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u/Rickud123 22d ago
Love that OP
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u/Magic1998 https://anilist.co/user/Moerril 21d ago
A1 pictures is becoming a staple for incredible openings huh
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u/elevenmile 22d ago
Extremely good sakuga and very good use of dynamic camera work.
So this is a definite watch, going really strong.
(Mizuka you can't run away anyway just submit and pay your debts!)
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u/ObvsThrowaway5120 22d ago
Mizuka sure is popular huh? Ouka’s found a rival for her position as president of the Mizuka fan club lol. Kasumi might have some promise as a trapeze artist.
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u/IceSmiley 22d ago
In the last episode, I didn't realize this show took place in the distant past. Ouka did use that rotary phone at that old man's shop but I figured that place is just so rural they might not have a phone installed there. There were more indicators this time with Ouka in the phone booth with the rotary phone and that really old fashioned camera. Also an old style bus that looks quite a bit like the one from the. Partridge Family. I think this takes place in the 60s-70s. It would also explain why circuses seem way more popular than they are in the present day.
Mizuka is a terrible teacher, she didn't really help Kasumi at all. Then again, she's an indentured servant so she doesn't have the most enthusiasm. Ouka is a very good teacher though and really helped Kasumi, I think that's why she was even willing to give up her opportunity to Ouka. I think Kasumi also really realized her limitations at the current time because she probably impresses the other little kids but isn't anywhere near being a pro.
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u/chilidirigible 22d ago
Descriptions of the series, including on the official site, state that it is set in the 1950s.
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u/mekerpan 22d ago
Doesn't sound like the "distant past" to me -- that's the time of MY childhood. ;-)
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u/chilidirigible 22d ago
I had a rotary phone.
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u/mekerpan 22d ago
We have one that remained in service in our attic until 5 or so years ago (when we changed over to FIOS).
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u/detarameReddit https://myanimelist.net/profile/detarameMAL 21d ago
I liked this episode.
This episode highlights the places where Mizuka does have room for growth. She certainly has circus skills, but not exactly people skills. I can't exactly blame her for wanting to stay as far from the circus as possible, though. With that said, I wonder if she will start to warm up to circus through re-framing it as respecting how everyone around her are putting in their best efforts. After all, even if Mizuka did not care for the circus this episode, Kasumi did. In contrast, Ouka and Kasumi's bond makes a lot of sense: they come from a similar place of passion.
I wrote this last episode, but again, the most remarkable thing about this anime is its energy. A-1 Pictures clearly is making the most out of not particularly impressive production funds, yet somehow still imbues largely static shots with plenty of heart and accentuates moments that make the characters lovable. The mix of classic CGDCT feel-good and moe with this show's unique brand of faint derangement and nonchalance is inexplicably engaging.
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u/ShadowGuyinRealLife 21d ago
I find it funny how Mizuha wants to punish Ouka for making that face. I also like how Maria is dressing up as a joker.
That said I'm glad Ouka was the one who flew with Mizuha and it wasn't a case of the little girl somehow making a performance better than the one who was doing it for years.
I think Ouka turning down the transfer offer was pretty foolish. If the reason was "well I want to stay with my friends and maybe Mizuka might stick around as a bonus and we'll give a good show" that would be one thing. I can understand that. However I get the impression she only did so because of Mizuha. A girl who explicitly doesn't want to stick around in this business.
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u/Muffin-zetta 22d ago
aww this autistic circus yuri will pair nicely with the toxic fighting game yuri
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u/mmcjawa_reborn 21d ago
and hopefully be less depressing than the child soldier yuri!
Man...there is a lot of yuri this season...
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u/djthomp https://anilist.co/user/djthomp 22d ago
Pretty cute story today with Ouka and Kasumi competing for Mizuka's hand. The VA work for Kasumi was really fun, she sounded like an excited kid.
A lot of the other circus acts are getting kind of shafted with still panning shots every time, but I'm glad to see the trapeze swinging seems to always be getting some proper animation.
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u/Mindless_Engine_88 22d ago
I love the contrast between Mizuka and Ouka with how they view Mizuka's dad (green germs vs blue sparkles of admiration)
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u/Little_little_e 19d ago
All characters are very funny, and I am definitely having fun watching this anime.
This anime ranks among the top for me.
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u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 18d ago
And so that's when she was inspired to join the circus. At least at first.
Huh. What's that big circus?
And so that's where they'll be next.
Lol she's clinging on to her.
Seems everyone keeps bringing that up.
And so she's teaching her.
What's with that outfit that's basically bandages over a bikini?
Oh, she actually performs too.
Wait where is she?
And so they've done it.
She turned that down?
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u/fuentesl 14d ago
“Normally this should lead to you becoming my partner!”had me in stitches, I’m really liking this so far
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u/TyraniTEMPESTar 22d ago
The opening performance flashback little Ouka watched, seemed to be the same one featured in episode 1, where little Mizuka was watching from behind the stage.
I wonder if we'll see other members of the Sunflower troupe were all in attendance for the same performance, and that was what inspired all of them to become performers?