With only two episodes remaining, a special program titled “The Apothecary Diaries Season 2: Climax Approaches” was streamed on Japan’s ABEMA platform on Friday, June 20. Voice actors Aoi Yuki (Maomao), Takeo Otsuka (Jinshi), Asami Seto (Shisui/Loulan), and Kaori Nazuka (Suirei) gathered to look back on Season 2 and dive deeper into the anime’s appeal.

For Seto and Nazuka, it marked their first time appearing on a special program for “The Apothecary Diaries.” Seto shared her excitement, saying, “Introducing myself as Shisui/Loulan feels nerve-wracking. I’ve been part of the cast since Season 1, but I wasn’t credited as Consort Loulan back then, so it’s finally official, and I’m thrilled.” Nazuka added, “I hadn’t had a chance to talk about the series with everyone, so I’m really happy we’re able to reflect together like this.”

The program opened with a segment comparing the character relationship charts from Episode 42 (previously reviewed in a past special) and the latest Episode 46. The segment revisited the characters’ evolving dynamics, with Aoi Yuki commenting, “Connections from the previous emperor’s era are tying together, and it feels like the final pieces are finally falling into place.”

Next came the feature “8 Curated Keywords to Enjoy the Climax,” where scenes were revisited based on selected themes chosen by the anime staff. While watching clips, the cast shared their thoughts and insights.

Under the theme “Malice Lurking in the Inner Palace,” the ghost story scene from Episode 40 was discussed. Yuki remarked, “The more skillfully the ghost stories are told, the more detailed the artwork becomes—it’s a nice anime-specific effect.” Nazuka added, “The close-ups of the mouth left a strong impression. While characters often act with their eyes, it’s amazing how many expressions were conveyed just through the mouth.”

The next keyword, “Loulan and Suirei,” featured a clip from when Consort Loulan first entered the palace. The cast marveled at subtle foreshadowing: “Even the way she throws her hair ornament expresses her personality,” and “If you think of her as Shisui, she really does look like Shisui!”—revelations that become clear only after Episode 46.

Reflecting on Season 1, Seto said, “It felt like the beginning of building Shisui’s character to reach Loulan.” Nazuka noted, “She had to blend in quietly. I tried not to leave too strong of an impression during the recording sessions.”

The program then moved into a break segment titled “What Would Maomao Like Most? — Cast Plays Ito.” Based on the word-based number-ranking party game “Ito,” the cast was asked to rank gifts Maomao would enjoy. Right out of the gate, Yuki shouted “Ox bezoar,” a high-value item, generating excitement. Otsuka followed with “Jinshi’s hairpin,” wistfully noting, “Given how Maomao has behaved so far…” hinting it might score low.

Seto and Nazuka added themed suggestions like “jasmine tea craft” and “a random hairpin from the market,” aligning with the story’s world. Their accurate rankings reflected a deep understanding of Maomao, making the game a great success.

Returning to the keyword segment, “Jinshi’s Resolve” was highlighted. Otsuka explained, “How much Jinshi reveals depends on who he’s with—he’s a character with many faces.” Yuki added with a laugh, “He became so cool to help Maomao… though she doesn’t even see it!” She elaborated, “Maomao likely wants to avoid being swayed by Jinshi’s more human side. She keeps some distance, but still respects his work.”

At that moment, the final visual for Season 2—featuring Jinshi’s determination—was revealed to the cast. The female cast members exclaimed, “Wow! He looks so cool!!” and “Thank you for the ponytail!” Otsuka responded, “There’s a strength in his expression we haven’t seen in previous visuals. It’s beautiful.”

The following keyword, “Shisui’s Resolve,” prompted Seto to recall, “In a scene where timing was key, I even paid attention to breath and nasal sounds. I was so happy they kept that in.” Yuki shared her inner conflict, saying, “As a friend, I wanted to stop her, but that would’ve meant denying Shisui’s decision.” Nazuka praised her performance: “Only Aoi-chan, who’s developed Maomao so thoroughly, could’ve delivered that scene.”

As the program neared its end, announcements followed. Alongside Blu-ray information for Season 2, a release event featuring Aoi Yuki and Takeo Otsuka was officially confirmed.

Additionally, the cast sampled food items from the upcoming Universal Studios Japan collaboration event “The Apothecary Diaries Mystery Walk – Investigate the Mysterious Medicine,” launching July 1. Dishes included the “Maomao’s Colorful Sudachi Cold Noodles Combo” and “Maomao’s Strawberry Almond Jelly with Yellow Peach,” packed with references to the series. The cast discussed their impressions while enjoying the collaboration dishes.

The program concluded with final messages to the audience:

Nazuka: “I’m looking forward to the remaining episodes even more. Of course, Maomao and Jinshi’s story is important, but Shisui is doing her best too—please watch until the very end.”

Seto: “After recording wrapped, I felt both accomplished and a bit lonely. It’s been great to reflect on it with the cast. Just two more episodes—please don’t miss them.”

Otsuka: “I feel like watching the whole series again. I hope everyone sees how the characters’ resolutions play out in Episodes 47 and 48.”

Finally, Yuki reflected warmly, “During recording, we gave our all in-character, and during breaks, we had fun talking about the story. This program reminded me of those moments. The series is crafted with great care, so please witness the ending with your own eyes.”