Singer-songwriter Rira Ikuta has been announced as the opening theme artist for the second season of the anime The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto), set to premiere on January 10, 2025 (NTV). This marks her first solo contribution to an anime opening theme.

Ikuta's Comment

The newly released PV for the anime features Ikuta’s song, “Hyakka Ryoran” (A Hundred Flowers Blooming), which she wrote and composed herself. Reflecting on the creation of the song, Ikuta commented:

“I was thrilled to be chosen for the opening theme of Season 2, especially after feeling the overwhelming response to Season 1. With ‘Hyakka Ryoran,’ I tried to capture Maomao’s whimsical and charming personality, as well as the grandeur and mystique of the imperial court. The unpredictable twists of the story inspired me to create lyrics that link Maomao’s journey to my own experiences. I hope the song resonates with viewers as much as the series does and becomes something they cherish alongside the anime.”

New Character and Cast Announcement

Along with the PV, new characters and cast members were unveiled. Asami Seto joins the cast as the lively and talkative maid Shisui, a character with a passion for insects who forms an intriguing bond with the protagonist, Maomao.

Seto shared her enthusiasm for the role:

“Shisui’s love for bugs and her unstoppable chatter make her quite unique. Her dynamic with Maomao and their growing closeness is something I hope viewers will enjoy.”

The latest PV ends with a cryptic statement from Shisui, leaving fans eager for what’s to come.

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

Source : ORICON NEWS