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Japan Anime News Edit by Taimu Tsuji

Aoi Yuki Reveals Behind-the-Scenes of Maomao’s “This Is Poison” Scene at AX 2025

Key Facts

• The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 concluded on July 4.
• A sequel to the anime has been announced.
• Aoi Yuki and Asami Seto attended Anime Expo 2025.
• The voice actors performed scenes including Maomao’s “This is poison” line.
• Yuki shared that the scene’s direction differed between promo and anime versions.


The Apothecary Diaries anime at Anime Expo 2025

The Apothecary Diaries anime at Anime Expo 2025 © Natsu Hyuuga, Touko Shino / The Apothecary Diaries Production Committee


At Anime Expo 2025 on July 4, The Apothecary Diaries hosted its Season 2 Guest Panel featuring voice actress Aoi Yuki, who plays Maomao. Following the Season 2 finale and the announcement of a sequel, Yuki performed Maomao’s signature “This is poison” scene from Episode 6 live on stage and shared behind-the-scenes insights about its evolving direction during production.


Iconic “Poison” Scene Performed Live

The The Apothecary Diaries panel at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles featured a highlight performance by Aoi Yuki. Alongside fellow voice actress Asami Seto (Loulan/Shisui), Yuki took part in live dubbing sessions showcasing key scenes from the anime. Among the scenes performed were selections from Episodes 25 and 45, leading up to the final showcase—Maomao’s iconic poison tasting moment from Episode 6, “The Garden Party.”

As the footage began to roll, the audience held their breath. When Maomao’s line, “This is poison,” was delivered, the crowd erupted with the loudest reaction of the day. The venue was filled with applause, emphasizing how memorable the scene has become for fans of the series.


The Apothecary Diaries anime at Anime Expo 2025

The Apothecary Diaries anime at Anime Expo 2025 © Natsu Hyuuga, Touko Shino / The Apothecary Diaries Production Committee


Aoi Yuki Shares Behind-the-Scenes Insight

Following the live performance, Aoi Yuki shared her thoughts about recording the scene. She noted the differences between the original promotional video and the final anime episode. “The direction and performance style are quite different between the project PV and the main episode,” she said. “I’d love for everyone to compare them.”

She added playfully, “At this point, I’ve gotten so used to playing Maomao that when I watch the scene now, I even start wondering if that poison soup might taste good.” Her lighthearted remark drew laughter from the audience and showcased her deep connection with the character over time.


Newly illustrated visual of Maomao and Shisui unveiled at Anime Expo 2025

Special visual of Maomao and Shisui revealed at Anime Expo 2025 guest panel © Natsu Hyuuga, Touko Shino / The Apothecary Diaries Production Committee


Panel Highlights and Continued Fan Support

Asami Seto also appeared during the event, and together with Yuki, performed various scenes between Maomao and Shisui. Their live performances energized the crowd, and their commentary throughout the panel added further entertainment.

The event took place on the same day as the broadcast of the Season 2 finale. With the sequel officially confirmed, excitement among fans remained high throughout the panel. The panel reinforced the strong global support for The Apothecary Diaries, particularly among North American fans attending Anime Expo.

The series, based on the original work by Natsu Hyuuga with illustrations by Touko Shino, follows Maomao—a pharmacist’s daughter with an unusual obsession with poisons and medicine—and the mysterious eunuch Jinshi, as they solve intricate cases in the imperial court.


The Apothecary Diaries S2

The Apothecary Diaries S2 © Natsu Hyuuga, Touko Shino / The Apothecary Diaries Production Committee


The Apothecary Diaries anime Trailer


FAQ

Q: What scene did Aoi Yuki perform live at Anime Expo 2025?
A: Aoi Yuki performed Maomao’s poison tasting scene from Episode 6, including the iconic line “This is poison.”

Q: How did Aoi Yuki describe the differences in performance?
A: She noted that the direction and tone differed between the project PV and the main anime episode.

Q: Who joined Aoi Yuki on stage at the panel?
A: Asami Seto, who voices Loulan/Shisui, also participated in the panel and live dubbing sessions.

Q: What episodes were featured during the voice performance?
A: Scenes from Episodes 25, 45, and 6 were performed during the panel.

Q: Has a continuation of The Apothecary Diaries been announced?
A: Yes, a sequel to the anime was officially announced during the event.


Source : ORICON NEWS