At the Machi★Asobi vol.28 event held in Tokushima, Japan, on the 10th, a special stage for the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries took place. Official coverage of the event has arrived, featuring Aoi Yuki (Maomao) and Takeo Otsuka (Jinshi) reflecting mainly on Season 2 of the anime.

Under the blazing sun at Aibahama Park, the two appeared on stage to roaring applause from fans gathered from both Japan and abroad. Amazed by the crowd, Yuki exclaimed, “Wow! There are so many people!” while Otsuka looked around and asked, “Where’s the back row?” Their joy was evident as they smiled and welcomed the crowd to the special stage.

It was Yuki’s first time in Shikoku, despite having done voice work for a ropeway guide before. “This is my first actual visit. I'm so happy,” she said. Otsuka also shared his impression: “Coming from Tokyo, the air here is so fresh.” When a fan shouted “Takeo!”, he responded with a surprised “O-oh,” prompting Yuki to tease, “You’re not used to this at all.” Many fans dressed as Maomao and Jinshi were spotted, and Yuki expressed her delight: “I even saw some Maomao and Jinshi cosplayers on the way here!”

The local food also sparked excitement. “I was surprised to see sudachi sold normally in convenience stores. I’ll bring some home,” Yuki said. Otsuka added, “I had Awao-dori chicken and Awa beef — both were delicious.” The warm exchange with the audience created a cheerful atmosphere.

The main segment focused on looking back at Season 2, covering episodes 25 to 42. Yuki noted the increasing complexity: “Now in the second cour of Season 2, things are getting intense. There are so many hidden clues — I recommend rewatching from Season 1.”

Regarding episode 31, The Shrine of Choosing, Yuki confessed, “That was the hardest recording. Since it’s ‘The Apothecary Diaries,’ Maomao talks constantly. There was so much exposition about colors, doors, and the country’s past... all the kanji for color started to look the same!” On episode 34, A Ghost Story, Otsuka commented, “At first, I thought it was a breather episode, but everything is actually connected.” Yuki agreed, saying, “It seems light at first glance but is actually deep.”

Episodes 35 (The Hunt) and 36 (Ka Zuigetsu) featured pivotal moments between Maomao and Jinshi. Yuki noted, “There were intimate scenes, but they were tasteful and elegant, never crude — I really loved that direction.” Otsuka admitted he struggled with how to approach the scene: “I kept wondering, how far should I go with it?” Yuki praised him, “You pulled that scene together beautifully,” to which the audience responded with enthusiasm.

Otsuka also reflected on Jinshi’s evolving mindset: “He’s changing how he faces his role and restrictions, which affects how he interacts with Maomao.” Yuki added, “The story unfolds from both Maomao’s and Jinshi’s perspectives. There are things Maomao alone can’t resolve. It’s going to be intense!” She encouraged fans, “This has all been building up to this point, so it’s worth rewatching from episode 1. Things get really satisfying from here!”

In the “Teach Us, Maomao & Jinshi in Tokushima!” corner, they answered fan questions collected from social media. When asked about their favorite Maomao-Jinshi moment, Yuki cited episode 11 of Season 1: “When Jinshi back-hugs Maomao. You see Jinshi’s softer side, and Maomao can’t push him away. Their vulnerabilities align for a moment — I love that.” Otsuka chose episode 9: “Their views on life and death really come through. Combined with the red lighting, it left a strong impression.”

Asked who they'd travel with from the cast, Yuki laughed, “Maomao would handle all the bookings and expenses, so I’d bring her. I think Xiaolan would be fun, too… but then I’d want Shisui along, so let’s make it four!” Otsuka said, “I’d go with the wealthy Jinshi and the responsible Gaoshun,” to which Yuki quipped, “Jinshi would disappear for toilet breaks at the weirdest times and buy tons of souvenirs right at the start!”

Responding to a fan request, Yuki performed Maomao’s iconic line, “This is poison,” live on stage, receiving a wave of applause. “I can’t believe I got such a big reaction!” she said, clearly delighted.

In the photo session, Yuki and Otsuka stood center stage with the packed crowd behind them for a commemorative photo. As staff called out, “We got the whole audience in!” fans waved and raised their merch, turning the moment into a unified celebration.

For their final remarks, Otsuka said, “The upcoming developments are not to be missed — I’d love it if everyone could watch in real time and get excited together.” Yuki closed by saying, “The production team is putting everything they’ve got into this. From here on, it’s nonstop — don’t blink! Enjoy the thrill!”

Source : ORICON NEWS