The main trailer for The Apothecary Diaries: Bouhi no Hihou introduces Haru ga Tomori (春が灯り), performed by Kenshi Yonezu. The film opens in Japan on December 11, 2026, with a new story developed for the film by original author Natsu Hyuuga.
Japanese children’s songs helped inspire Yonezu
Yonezu wrote the lyrics and music for Haru ga Tomori and co-arranged it with Toomi Yo. He says he studied the screenplay while writing and also drew on Japanese children’s songs. Tulip and Antagata Dokosa were his strongest influences.
Part of the new song can be heard in the main trailer below. It is the film’s theme song, while the score is composed by Satoru Kosaki, Kevin Penkin and Arisa Okehazama.
Maomao investigates a mystery beyond the rear palace
The story begins when the emperor asks Jinshi to fulfil the final wish of a consort who died five years earlier: to return to her homeland. Her body, however, remains unusually well preserved. Maomao accompanies Jinshi to a southern region to investigate.
They arrive in a bustling city on the water, where pirates and rumours of hidden treasure have unsettled the area. Maomao’s curiosity about medicines and unfamiliar plants accompanies another investigation, this time in a new setting created for the film.
The Japanese release is December 11
Norihiro Naganuma directs, Yuko Kakihara writes the screenplay and TOHO animation STUDIO produces the animation. Aoi Yuuki returns as Maomao, with Takeo Otsuka reprising Jinshi.
Sources: Theme song, Film introduction, Staff and cast, Main trailer. Checked October 23, 2026. Images: Natsu Hyuuga / Imagica Infos / The Apothecary Diaries Film Production Committee.
