The Apothecary Diaries (薬屋のひとりごと) 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.
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 Prince Ogai. 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.
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.
The Winter Forest Arc
Following the Shi Clan incident, Maomao assists her foster father, Luomen, in managing a winter illness outbreak. She uncovers the technical methods used to create "blue roses" and continues her work as an apothecary while the political landscape of the palace shifts in the aftermath of the rebellion.
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.
The Winter Forest Arc
Following the Shi Clan incident, Maomao assists her foster father, Luomen, in managing a winter illness outbreak. She uncovers the technical methods used to create "blue roses" and continues her work as an apothecary while the political landscape of the palace shifts in the aftermath of the rebellion.
Series overview
Cast and characters
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]
Following the conclusion of the first season broadcast, a second season was announced.
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) performed by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, while the first ending theme song is "Aikotoba" (アイコトバ) 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), performed by Wacci.[19]
For the second season, the first opening theme song is "Hyakka Ryōran" (百花繚乱) performed by Lilas Ikuta,[20] while the first ending theme song is "Shiawase no Recipe" (幸せのレシピ) performed by Dai Hirai.[21]
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]
External links
References
- https://mantan-web.jp/article/20230216dog00m200000000c.html Mantan Web, February 16, 2023, retrieved February 16, 2023^
- Rafael Antonio Pineda. The Apothecary Diaries Novels About Palace Intrigue Get 2023 TV Anime Anime News Network, February 15, 2023, retrieved February 16, 2023^
- Alex Mateo. The Apothecary Diaries Anime's Teaser Video Reveals New Cast Member, October Premiere