Key Facts

• The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 ended on July 4.
• A sequel has been officially announced.
• Episode 25 scenes were performed live at Anime Expo 2025.
• Asami Seto discussed how she portrayed both Loulan and Shisui.
• Seto aimed to show that Shisui’s smiles and emotions were not fake.

At Anime Expo 2025 on July 4 in Los Angeles, voice actors Aoi Yuki (Maomao) and Asami Seto (Loulan/Shisui) appeared on stage following the Season 2 finale of The Apothecary Diaries. During the guest panel, they performed scenes from Episode 25 and shared behind-the-scenes insights on character portrayal, including how Seto approached Shisui’s emotions and relationships with Maomao and Xiaolan.

Episode 25 Scene Performed Live on Stage

The Anime Expo 2025 panel featured a live voice performance of Episode 25, “Maomao and Maomao,” highlighting the first encounter between Maomao and Shisui. Audience excitement rose as the scene unfolded, drawing cheers from fans.

Aoi Yuki admitted, “Performing live in this setting makes me nervous!” Asami Seto replied, “Having Aoi-san with me made it easier, and the way the audience reacts to each line is really refreshing.” Their performance gave fans a unique glimpse into how voice actors respond to live audience energy.

Asami Seto on Portraying Loulan and Shisui

When asked about shaping Shisui’s character—who debuted in Season 2—Seto explained, “The direction I received was to keep the energy high. For viewers, it’s clear that there's a contrast between Loulan and Shisui, and that was intentional.”

She added, “When playing Loulan, I focused on conveying a strong sense of purpose. As Shisui, while she still has motives, I wanted the moments with Maomao and Xiaolan to reflect her true feelings. I aimed to show that the smiles she gives in those scenes aren’t fake.” Her comments were met with audible admiration from the audience.

Natural Chemistry Between the Characters

Discussing their acting dynamic, Aoi Yuki said, “When performing with Seto-chan, it naturally felt like the relationship between Maomao and Shisui. Rather than consciously acting it out, we just slipped into the mood. We built a comfortable distance between the two characters.”

Their reflections revealed how character relationships were brought to life through instinctive, collaborative performance. This authenticity in portrayal was a focus of the panel, especially in how the subtle emotions between Maomao and Shisui were conveyed.

With a sequel confirmed, the cast’s commitment to character depth and emotional sincerity continues to resonate with fans. Based on the novel by Natsu Hyuuga with illustrations by Touko Shino, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a pharmacist’s daughter with a fascination for poisons, as she solves mysteries alongside the enigmatic eunuch Jinshi within the imperial court.

The Apothecary Diaries anime Trailer

FAQ

Q: What episode was performed during the AX 2025 panel?
A: The voice actors performed Episode 25, featuring Maomao and Shisui’s first meeting.

Q: How did Asami Seto portray the difference between Loulan and Shisui?
A: She used a high-energy tone for Shisui and a more purposeful tone for Loulan.

Q: What did Seto say about Shisui’s emotions?
A: She aimed to show that Shisui’s smiles and interactions were sincere, not fake.

Q: How did Aoi Yuki describe her on-stage chemistry with Seto?
A: Yuki said their performances naturally reflected Maomao and Shisui’s dynamic without forced effort.

Q: Is a sequel to The Apothecary Diaries confirmed?
A: Yes, a continuation of the anime was officially announced after the Season 2 finale.

Source : ORICON NEWS