"The Apothecary Diaries" is a Japanese light novel series written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino. Set in a fictional East Asian empire, the story follows Maomao, a young woman with a deep knowledge of medicine and poisons, who is taken from her life in the pleasure district to serve as a maid in the imperial harem. Her keen intellect and curiosity lead her to uncover various mysteries within the palace, earning her recognition and new responsibilities.

■Characters

Maomao
CV: Aoi Yūki
The protagonist, Maomao, is an intelligent and highly curious apothecary's daughter with extensive knowledge of herbal medicine and toxins. In the imperial court, she keeps a low profile initially but eventually uses her skills to solve mysterious cases, making her an invaluable asset to the court.

Jinshi
CV: Takeo Ōtsuka
A beautiful and enigmatic high-ranking eunuch in the imperial palace, Jinshi recognizes Maomao's talents early on and often assigns her challenging tasks that involve her medicinal skills. Jinshi’s motives are frequently mysterious, and his interactions with Maomao bring humor and intrigue to the story.

Gyokuyou
CV: Atsumi Tanezaki
One of the emperor's consorts, Gyokuyou is known for her grace, intelligence, and kindness. Maomao becomes her lady-in-waiting, assisting her with personal matters and helping her navigate the harem’s complex dynamics.

Lihua
CV: Yui Ishikawa
Another consort of the emperor, Lihua is strong-willed and sometimes rivals Gyokuyou. Her encounters with Maomao add tension and depth to the narrative as they navigate palace life.

Ah-Duo
CV: Yūko Kaida
A former consort who, after losing favor, became a nun. Ah-Duo serves as a mentor figure to Maomao, providing wisdom and guidance that help her understand the power dynamics of the imperial court.

More Characters （Anime Official Site）

When Will Season 2 Begin?

It has been announced that Season 2 will premiere in 2025.In the recently released teaser PV, scenes include the foreign caravan, two mysterious women, and a figure dancing beneath the moonlight, heightening expectations for the upcoming storyline.

Where Can I Watch Season 2?

Based on Season 1’s streaming services, Season 2 is expected to be available on the following platforms. However, availability may change, so please check each service’s official site for the latest information:

United States Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
Canada Crunchyroll, Netflix
Brazil Crunchyroll, Netflix
Australia Crunchyroll, Netflix
New Zealand Crunchyroll, Netflix
Thailand Netflix, iQIYI, Bilibili
Indonesia Netflix, iQIYI, Bilibili
Singapore Netflix, iQIYI, Bilibili
Vietnam Netflix, iQIYI, Bilibili
Hong Kong Netflix, iQIYI, Bilibili
South Korea Netflix, Wavve, Bilibili
China Bilibili, iQIYI
India Netflix, Crunchyroll
Saudi Arabia Netflix, Crunchyroll
United Arab Emirates Netflix, Crunchyroll
Turkey Netflix, Crunchyroll

■Staff

【Original Creator】: Natsu Hyūga (日向夏)
【Character Original Design】: Touko Shino (しのとうこ)
【Chief Director】: Norihiro Naganuma (長沼範裕)
【Director】: Norihiro Naganuma (長沼範裕) (Season 1); Akihiro Fudeyasu (筆坂明規) (Season 2)
【Assistant Director】: Akihiro Fudeyasu (筆坂明規) (Season 1); Wataru Nakagawa (中川航) (Season 2)
【Series Composition】: Norihiro Naganuma (長沼範裕)
【Character Design】: Yukiko Nakatani (中谷友紀子)
【Sub Character Design】: Kayo Nagamori (長森佳容), Kana Miyai (宮井加奈)
【Prop Design】: Ryo Hirata (ヒラタリョウ), Miki O (みき尾)
【Color Design】: Misato Aida (相田美里)
【Art Director / Art Setting】: Katsumi Takao (高尾克己)
【CGI Director】: Yū Nagai (永井有)
【2D Design Works】: Yōsuke Nanjō (南條楊輔)
【Director of Photography】: Rumi Ishiguro (石黒留美) (Season 1); Mayo Suzuki (鈴木麻予) (Season 2)
【Editor】: Daisuke Imai (今井大介)
【Sound Director】: Shōji Hata (はたしょう二)
【Sound Effects】: Noriko Izumo (出雲範子)
【Music】: Satoru Kōsaki (神前暁), Kevin Penkin, Arisa Okehazama (桶狭間ありさ)
【Music Producer】: Kenki Kobayashi (小林健樹)
【Chief Producer】: Atsushi Takahashi (高橋敦司), Katsuhiro Takei (武井克弘)
【Producers】: Mitsuteru Hishiyama (菱山光輝), Yuito Hirahara (平原唯灯), Aya Kawamura (川村文), Katsushi Morishita (森下勝司), Daishi Mutō (武藤大司), Junya Okamoto (岡本順哉), Tomoko Fujimura (藤村智子)
【Animation Producers】: Takafumi Inagaki (稲垣敬文), Satoshi Shōda (正田聡史)
【Animation Production】: TOHO animation STUDIO, OLM
【Production】: "The Apothecary Diaries" Production Committee