Maomao is heading to the big screen. On October 8, 2026 (US time), Crunchyroll announced it has licensed The Apothecary Diaries film worldwide except Asia. The film opens in Japan on December 11, 2026 and tells a brand-new story written by the original author, so there is nothing to catch up on first.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Bōhi no Hihō (薬屋のひとりごと 亡妃の秘宝) |
| Crunchyroll’s English title | The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady’s Treasure |
| Japan release | December 11, 2026 |
| Release outside Japan | Crunchyroll holds worldwide rights except Asia (India included). Date not announced |
| Story | New story by Hyuganatsu, author of the original novels |
What is the film about?
According to Anime News Network, Maomao and Jinshi travel to the hometown of a concubine who died five years earlier in the imperial harem, to bring her remains home. The trip leads them to unexpected places: pirates, hidden treasure, a secret around the Empress’s remains and a mysterious boy.
It sounds like a new case for Maomao, the apothecary who likes to test poisons on herself. What stands out is that the plot does not come from any existing novel volume. Hyuganatsu wrote it specifically for the film, so it is fully new material even for readers who have finished the source.
Cast and schedule
Aoi Yuki and Takeo Otsuka, who voice Maomao and Jinshi in the TV anime, return for the film. The new character Mu Qing is voiced by Mariya Ise, who has played Killua (Hunter x Hunter), Himeno (Chainsaw Man) and Reg (Made in Abyss).
The film arrives while season 3 of the TV anime is on air, which began on October 2, 2026. The date outside Japan, theater list and any post-theatrical platforms have not been announced.
OtaHub’s take
This matters because Crunchyroll usually acquires a film before it reaches theaters. For fans outside Japan, that is a fairly solid sign that the film will get screenings in the West rather than waiting for a streaming release.
For fans in Vietnam, it is unclear. Asia sits outside Crunchyroll’s deal, so a theatrical or home release in Vietnam depends on a different company. The safe move is to watch announcements from local cinemas and distributors before planning anything.
FAQ
When does The Apothecary Diaries film come out?
It opens in Japanese theaters on December 11, 2026. Release dates elsewhere have not been announced; Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will share them later.
Is the film a sequel to season 3?
No. It is a standalone theatrical film with a new story written for the film by author Hyuganatsu. Season 3 of the TV anime has been airing since October 2, 2026.
What is the film about?
Maomao and Jinshi travel to the hometown of a concubine who died five years earlier in the imperial harem, to return her remains. There they run into pirates, hidden treasure, a secret about the Empress’s remains and a mysterious boy.
Can fans in Vietnam watch it?
There is no information yet. Vietnam is in Asia, which is outside the rights Crunchyroll just acquired, so a local release depends on a different distributor. OtaHub will update when one is announced.
Sources: Anime News Network (Crunchyroll licensing report and the July 2, 2026 film trailer report), Crunchyroll.
