Overview
The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) adapts Natsu Hyuuga's light novel, illustrated by Touko Shino. Maomao grew up in the pleasure district, where she learned to make medicine from her adoptive father. Kidnapped and sold into the inner palace as a low-ranking maid, she only wants to keep her head down until her service ends, until her knowledge of medicine and poison catches the eye of Jinshi, a powerful official whose looks set the whole court talking.
OtaHub's take
Season 1 aired 24 episodes from October 2023 to March 2024, and season 2 another 24 from January to July 2025, produced by OLM and TOHO animation STUDIO. Norihiro Naganuma directed the first season and serves as series writer, with music by Satoru Kosaki, Kevin Penkin and Alisa Okehazama. The series mixes standalone cases with long-running court intrigue, and much of its appeal lies in Maomao's practical, cool yet curious personality and the way she dodges Jinshi's attention.
Season 3 airs from 2 October 2026, with a second cour expected in April 2027. OLM continues production, Akinori Fudesaka directs, Naganuma remains series writer, the band Yorushika performs the opening song and Reina Ueda joins the cast. The franchise also has a film opening in Japanese cinemas on 11 December 2026 with a story written by Hyuuga herself, and its first console game, The False Imperial Brother from Koei Tecmo and Gust, planned for early 2027 on Switch 2, Switch, PS5 and PC.
Verdict
The Apothecary Diaries suits fans of gentle mysteries, palace settings and smart, independent heroines. Newcomers should start from season 1, since the political thread and the relationship between Maomao and Jinshi build across every season. With season 3, the new film and the upcoming game, late 2026 is a convenient time to start, and the 48 episodes of the first two seasons are easy to catch up on.
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