The Apothecary Diaries (TV series)
Japanese anime television series
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The Apothecary Diaries (Japanese: 薬屋のひとりごと, Hepburn: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) is a Japanese anime television series based on the light novel series The Apothecary Diaries written by Hyūganatsu and illustrated by Touko Shino. Set in a fictional country inspired by Imperial China, the series follows Maomao, a young woman trained in medicine who is sold into service at the Emperor's palace.
- Norihiro Naganuma (S1)
- Akinori Fudesaka (S2)
| The Apothecary Diaries | |
|---|---|
| |
| 薬屋のひとりごと Kusuriya no Hitorigoto | |
| Genre | |
| Based on | |
| Screenplay by | Norihiro Naganuma |
| Directed by |
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| Voices of | |
| Music by |
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| Country of origin | Japan |
| Original language | Japanese |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 48 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Animators | |
| Production company | "The Apothecary Diaries" Project[a] |
| Original release | |
| Network | NNS (Nippon TV) |
| Release | October 22, 2023 – present |
The first season aired on Nippon TV from October 2023 to March 2024, followed by a second season which ran from January 10 to July 4, 2025. Internationally, Crunchyroll licensed the series for streaming outside of Asia, with Netflix also carrying the title in various regions. On October 22, 2025, during a special second-anniversary event, a third season was announced for an October 2026 premiere as a split-cour broadcast. Additionally, an original anime film written by Hyūganatsu is slated for a theatrical release in December 2026.
Synopsis
Maomao, a young apothecary raised in the capital's pleasure district, is kidnapped and sold into service at the Imperial Palace as a lowly laundry maid. While attempting to serve her two-year contract in anonymity, she learns of a mysterious illness afflicting the Emperor’s infant heirs. Suspecting the cause is toxic face powder used by the concubines, she leaves an anonymous warning that saves the life of the infant Princess Lingli. Her actions are discovered by Jinshi, an influential eunuch who manages the Rear Palace. Recognizing her expertise, Jinshi promotes her to be the personal lady-in-waiting and poison tester for Lady Gyokuyou, the Emperor's favorite consort. Maomao is subsequently tasked with investigating various medical mysteries, political intrigues, and forensic puzzles within the court, while navigating the dangerous social hierarchy of the palace.
Season 1
The Rear Palace Arc
Maomao serves as a lady-in-waiting and investigates various medical mysteries within the court, including the accidental poisoning of concubines and the properties of rare herbs. Jinshi frequently assigns her tasks to solve internal disputes and health crises using her knowledge of toxicology.
The Verdigris Pavilion Arc
During a brief visit to her home in the Red-Light District, Maomao is asked to investigate the death of a high-ranking official. She determines the cause of death by analyzing the chemical reactions of substances found at the scene. Concurrently, she manages the health of several courtesans at the Verdigris Pavilion.
The Courtesan and the Bureaucrat Arc
Maomao encounters Lakan, a high-ranking military official who reveals himself to be her biological father. The arc details the circumstances of Maomao's birth to a high-class courtesan and the subsequent estrangement. Maomao eventually uses her botanical knowledge to fulfill a specific request from Lakan involving the blooming of out-of-season flowers.
Season 2
The Inner Court Poisoning Arc
A series of incidents occurs involving a poisoned banquet and a missing ritual implement. Maomao connects these events to an assassination plot targeting Jinshi during an outdoor ceremony. She intervenes during the ritual, sustaining a leg injury while pulling Jinshi to safety.
The Shisui and the Clan Arc
Maomao befriends a new lady-in-waiting named Shisui. Investigations into agricultural failures and local "curses" lead Maomao to discover a conspiracy involving the Shi Clan. The clan attempts to destabilize the central government through controlled food shortages, resulting in a military confrontation and the clan's downfall.
Series overview
Cast and characters
| Character | Japanese voice actor | English dub actor |
|---|---|---|
| Maomao | Aoi Yūki | Emi Lo |
| Jinshi | Takeo Ōtsuka | Kaiji Tang |
| Gaoshun | Katsuyuki Konishi | Alex Hom |
| Gyokuyō | Atsumi Tanezaki | Molly Zhang |
| Lihua | Yui Ishikawa | Trina Nishimura |
| Lakan | Takuya Kirimoto | Ricco Fajardo |
Production and release
The anime television series adaptation, produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM, was announced on February 16, 2023. It was directed and written by Norihiro Naganuma, with Akinori Fudesaka serving as assistant director for the first season and later replacing Norihiro as director of the second season. Yukiko Nakatani designed the characters, and Satoru Kōsaki, Kevin Penkin, and Alisa Okehazama all composed the music.[1][2] The two consecutive-cours series aired from October 22, 2023, to March 24, 2024, on Nippon TV and its affiliates.[3][4][b]
Following the conclusion of the first season broadcast, a second season was announced. It aired from January 10 to July 4, 2025, on the Friday Anime Night programming block on Nippon TV and its affiliates.[6][7][8]
Following the conclusion of the second season broadcast, a sequel to the anime series was announced.[9] On the second anniversary of the anime's premiere, it was announced to be a third season that is set to premiere in October 2026. The season will run in two split cours, with its second premiering in April 2027.[10]
International release
Crunchyroll is streaming the series worldwide outside Asia, in addition to the Middle East, the CIS (excluding Russia and Belarus), and South Asia.[11][12][13] The first cours of the first season was released on Blu-ray on January 28, 2025,[14][15] while the second cours was released on March 25, 2025.[16] Netflix has streamed the series in select Asian regions.[17]
Film
An animated film was announced in October 2025, and will feature a new story written by Hyūganatsu. The film is set to premiere in Japan in December 2026.[10]
Music
The musical score for the series is a collaborative project composed by Satoru Kōsaki, Kevin Penkin, and Arisa Okehazama. The official soundtrack, containing 47 tracks, was released digitally by Milan Records and Toho Animation Records on March 25, 2024.
For the first season, the first opening theme song is "Hana ni Natte" (花になって; lit. 'Be a Flower') performed by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, while the first ending theme song is "Aikotoba" (アイコトバ; lit. 'The Spell') performed by Aina the End.[18] The second opening theme song is "Ambivalent" (アンビバレント) performed by Uru, while the second ending theme song is "Ai wa Kusuri" (愛は薬; lit. 'Love is Medicine'), performed by Wacci.[19]
For the second season, the first opening theme song is "Hyakka Ryōran" (百花繚乱; lit. 'Splendid Bounty') performed by Lilas Ikuta,[20] while the first ending theme song is "Shiawase no Recipe" (幸せのレシピ; lit. 'The Recipe for Happiness') performed by Dai Hirai.[21] The second opening theme song is "Kusushiki" (クスシキ; lit. 'Mysterious') performed by Mrs. Green Apple, while the second ending theme song is "Hitorigoto" (ひとりごと; lit. 'Soliloquy') performed by Omoinotake.[22]
Reception
Critical response
James Beckett of Anime News Network praised the first season's premiere for its unique premise, noting that the series' strength lies in Maomao's characterization as a "refreshingly pragmatic and cynical protagonist" who uses her intellect to navigate the dangers of the imperial court.[23] In a later review, Beckett highlighted the "meticulous attention to detail" regarding the series' historical setting and the chemistry between the lead characters.[24]
Writing for IGN Southeast Asia, Dale Bashir noted that the series stood out by focusing on deduction and forensic science within a palace setting. He highlighted that the production quality from Toho Animation Studio and OLM successfully elevated the source material, making it one of the most prominent titles of its season.[25]
Popularity
Season 1 of the anime was ranked as the fifth most-streamed title in Japan in 2024.[26] Season 2 ranked as the most-watched anime series of 2025 through Japanese streaming services such as U-Next, Abema, and DMM TV.[27][28][29] The anime series was ranked as the second most popular series on Netflix Japan during the period 2021-2025, only surpassed by Spy × Family.[30]
According to FeverCos, Maomao ranked third in the "Top 10 Most Influential Cosplay Characters of 2025".[31]
Accolades
The anime ranked seventh in Anime News Network's "Top 10 Anime of 2024", with Caitlin Moore praising the series' plot and Aoi Yūki's voice acting.[32] In 2025, the anime was nominated for 13 categories at the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards, including the Anime of the Year. Aoi Yūki, for her work as Maomao, won its only award for Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese).[33]
The anime was also nominated for Best Anime Series at the 5th Astra TV Awards.[34] It won the 2025 Animage's Anime Grand Prix with Maomao and Jinshi taking the first and fourth places in the Best Character category. Aoi Yūki and Takeo Ōtsuka took the first and fifth places in the Best Voice Actor category for their respective roles as Maomao and Jinshi.[35]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Reiwa Anisong Awards | Artist Song Award | "Hana ni Natte" by Ryokuoushoku Shakai | Nominated | [36] |
| AT-X | Top Anime Ranking | The Apothecary Diaries | 5th place | [37] | |
| AT-X 25th Anniversary | Favorite Series | 5th place | [38] | ||
| Recommended Series | 3rd place | ||||
| Favorite Anisong | "Hana ni Natte" by Ryokuoushoku Shakai | 7th place | |||
| 2024 | D-Anime Store Awards | Recommended Anime | The Apothecary Diaries | Won | [39] |
| TVer Awards | Special Award | Won | [40] | ||
| 46th Anime Grand Prix | Grand Prix | 5th place | [41] | ||
| Best Character | Maomao | 5th place | |||
| Japan Expo Awards | Daruma for Best Anime | The Apothecary Diaries | Nominated | [42] | |
| Daruma for Best Suspense Anime | Won | [43] | |||
| 19th AnimaniA Awards | Best TV Series: Online | Won | [44][45] | ||
| Yahoo! Japan Search Awards | Anime Category | 3rd place | [46] | ||
| Billboard Japan Music Awards | Hot 100 | "Hana ni Natte" by Ryokuoushoku Shakai | 17th place | [47] | |
| Most Downloaded Songs | 10th place | ||||
| Hot Animation | 8th place | ||||
| IGN Awards | Best Anime Series | The Apothecary Diaries | Runner-up | [48][49] | |
| 2025 | AT-X | Top Anime Ranking | 3rd place | [50] | |
| Fan ga Atsui, Anime Manga Awards | Best Current Broadcasting Anime | The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 | Won | [51] | |
| Best Theme Song | "Hyakka Ryōran" by Lilas Ikuta | Won | |||
| 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards | Anime of the Year | The Apothecary Diaries | Nominated | [33] | |
| Best New Series | Nominated | ||||
| Best Drama | Nominated | ||||
| Best Background Art | Nominated | ||||
| Best Character Design | Yukiko Nakatani | Nominated | |||
| Best Director | Norihiro Naganuma | Nominated | |||
| Best Main Character | Maomao | Nominated | |||
| Best Supporting Character | Jinshi | Nominated | |||
| Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese) | Aoi Yūki as Maomao | Won | |||
| Best Voice Artist Performance (Portuguese) | Gigi Patta as Maomao | Nominated | |||
| Best Voice Artist Performance (French) | Julien Allouf as Jinshi | Nominated | |||
| Best Voice Artist Performance (Italian) | Andrea Oldani as Jinshi | Nominated | |||
| Best Voice Artist Performance (Spanish) | Desireé González as Maomao | Nominated | |||
| 5th Astra TV Awards | Best Anime Series | The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 | Nominated | [34] | |
| TikTok First Half Trend Awards | Grand Prize | The Apothecary Diaries | Won | [52] | |
| Manga and Anime Category | Won | ||||
| 47th Anime Grand Prix | Grand Prix | The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 | Won | [35] | |
| Best Character | Maomao | Won | |||
| Jinshi | 4th place | ||||
| Best Voice Actor | Aoi Yūki | Won | |||
| Takeo Ōtsuka | 5th place | ||||
| 20th AnimaniA Awards | Best Anime Song | "Ambivalent" by Uru | Won | [53][54] | |
| 15th Newtype Anime Awards | Best Work (TV/Streaming) | The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 | 3rd place | [55] | |
| Yahoo! Japan Search Awards | Anime Category | The Apothecary Diaries | 2nd place | [56] | |
| TikTok Awards Japan | Anime of the Year | Nominated | [57] | ||
| 31st Manga Barcelona Awards | Best Anime Series Premiere | Won | [58] | ||
| IGN Awards | Best Anime Series | The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 | Runner-up | [59] | |
| Abema Anime Trend Awards | Anime News Award | The Apothecary Diaries | Won | [60] | |
| AT-X | Top Anime Ranking | 2nd place | [61] | ||
| 2026 | 8th Global Demand Awards | Most In-Demand Anime Series of 2025 | Nominated | [62] | |
| D-Anime Store Awards | Worth Rewatching Anime | Won | [63] | ||
| Most Interesting Plot Developments | Won | ||||
| TVer Awards | Cool Anime Award | Won | [64] | ||
| 40th Japan Gold Disc Awards | Best 5 Songs by Streaming | "Kusushiki" by Mrs. Green Apple | Won | [65] | |
| 10th Crunchyroll Anime Awards | Anime of the Year | The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 | Nominated | [66] | |
| Best Drama | Won | ||||
| Best Background Art | Nominated | ||||
| Best Character Design | Yukiko Nakatani | Nominated | |||
| Best Director | Akinori Fudesaka and Norihiro Naganuma | Won | |||
| Best Main Character | Maomao | Won | |||
| Best Supporting Character | Jinshi | Nominated | |||
| Loulan/Shisui | Nominated | ||||
| "Must Protect at All Costs" Character | Maomao | Nominated | |||
| Best Score | Satoru Kōsaki, Kevin Penkin, and Alisa Okehazama | Nominated | |||
| Best Anime Song | "In Bloom" by Lilas Ikuta | Nominated | |||
| Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese) | Aoi Yūki as Maomao | Won | |||
| Best Voice Artist Performance (English) | Emi Lo as Maomao | Nominated | |||
| Best Voice Artist Performance (Portuguese) | Gigi Patta as Maomao | Nominated | |||
| Best Voice Artist Performance (Hindi) | Abishek Sharma as Jinshi | Won | |||
| Best Voice Artist Performance (Italian) | Luna Fogu as Maomao | Nominated | |||
| Best Voice Artist Performance (Spanish) | Desireé González as Maomao | Nominated | |||
| Music Awards Japan | Best of Listeners' Choice: Japanese Song | "Kusushiki" by Mrs. Green Apple | Pending | [67] | |
| 21st AnimaniA Awards | Best TV Sequel Series: Online | The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 | Pending | [68] | |
| Best TV/Movie: Disc Release | The Apothecary Diaries | Pending | |||
| Best Anime Song | "Hyakka Ryōran" by Lilas Ikuta | Pending |