The Apothecary Diaries Movie Unveils New Trailer, Adds Nobuo Tobita, Kumiko Watanabe and Hirofumi Nojima to Cast

A new promotional video introducing the Bi clan, whom Maomao and her companions encounter during their journey, has been released for the upcoming anime film The Apothecary Diaries the Movie: Bouhi no Hihou (亡妃の秘宝, The Late Consort’s Secret Treasure), scheduled to open in Japanese theaters on December 11, 2026.

Additional voice cast members for the Bi clan have also been announced, along with a comment from Mariya Ise, who was previously confirmed to voice Muqing, the youngest son of the clan and a key figure in the story.

To return the remains of Ruoqing, a mid-ranking consort who died in the imperial rear palace five years ago, to her hometown, Maomao and Jinshi travel to Binan Province, a region located south of the imperial capital.

The newly released trailer introduces members of the Bi clan, which governs Binan Province. Among them are Bilou, the clan's head and Ruoqing's father; his wife, Qiuyu; Biquan, the eldest son; and Muqing, Bilou's youngest son, who was born to a concubine and is ostracized by the rest of the family. Each character appears to have a complicated story of their own.

Bilou warmly welcomes Maomao, Jinshi and their companions, saying, "Thank you for coming all this way."

Meanwhile, Muqing struggles with the circumstances of his birth, declaring, "I wasn't born because anyone wanted me."
Qiuyu desperately calls out, "Someone, stop that boy!" as she tries to prevent Muqing from leaving. She is also shown shedding tears over the death of Ruoqing, lamenting, "If you were going to die, you should have just stayed here with us forever..."

Centered on Muqing and the deceased Ruoqing, the trailer offers a glimpse of a family seemingly harboring a major secret.
The newly announced cast members include Nobuo Tobita as Bilou, the head of the Bi clan; Kumiko Watanabe as his wife, Qiuyu; and Hirofumi Nojima as Biquan, the clan's eldest son.

Ise expressed her excitement about joining the franchise, saying, "I feel truly honored to be part of the world of The Apothecary Diaries, a series loved by so many people, as Muqing, an original character created for the theatrical film."

She also shared her anticipation for the film, adding, "I hope audiences will come to theaters to experience the new mysteries and story unfolding on a grand scale unique to the big screen, and see how Muqing becomes involved with Maomao and the others."

The Apothecary Diaries is set in the rear palace of a fictional empire and follows Maomao, an apothecary raised in the pleasure district, as she uses her extensive knowledge of medicine and keen powers of observation to unravel mysteries and conspiracies within the imperial court.

Based on the popular light novel series, which has surpassed 57 million copies in circulation worldwide, the television anime adaptation premiered in 2023. Its third season began airing on October 2, 2026. A live-action television drama adaptation starring Mana Ashida is also scheduled for 2028.

Featuring a completely original story written by series creator Natsu Hyūga, the upcoming theatrical film presents the franchise's biggest mystery yet, intertwining the secrets surrounding a corpse with a hidden treasure.

To return the remains of a consort who died in the rear palace five years earlier to her hometown, Maomao and Jinshi embark on a journey to the southern region where she was born.

Full Comment from Mariya Ise (Voice of Muqing)

"My name is Mariya Ise, and I have the pleasure of voicing Muqing.

I feel truly honored to be part of the world of The Apothecary Diaries, a series loved by so many people, as Muqing, an original character created for the theatrical film.
Muqing is a boy whom Maomao and Jinshi encounter in Binan Province, and he plays a key role in the story.

In portraying him, I carefully considered his background and tried to stay true to each of his emotions.

The film presents new mysteries and a story unfolding on a grand scale unique to the theatrical experience. I hope audiences will come to theaters to see how Muqing becomes involved with Maomao and the others."

Source : ORICON NEWS