The popular anime series, The Apothecary Diaries, has announced its first-ever exhibition, set to open in Tokyo this March, coinciding with the premiere of its highly anticipated second season. A key visual showcasing nine main characters, including protagonists Maomao and Jinshi, has been released to promote the event. This exhibition promises to be a deep dive into the artistry and meticulous world-building that defines the series.
A Look Behind the Scenes
The exhibition, titled “The Apothecary Diaries Anime Exhibition,” will be held at Matsuzakaya Ginza in Tokyo from March 26th to April 14th. It will feature 3D recreations of iconic scenes from the anime, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of Maomao and the Imperial Palace. Additionally, the exhibition will display original drawings, storyboards, art settings, and other rare production materials, giving attendees a unique glimpse into the creative process behind the anime. The exhibition is not just limited to Tokyo, with plans to tour nationwide in cities such as Fukuoka, Osaka, and Nagoya. An official website is scheduled to launch in February to provide further details and tour information.
The exhibition aims to showcase the visual beauty of The Apothecary Diaries anime series, highlighting the detailed work of the animators. This event follows a previous exhibition that focused on the light novel series, further demonstrating the franchise’s broad appeal across different formats.
Season Two Premieres to Fanfare
The announcement of the exhibition comes on the same day as the premiere of the anime’s second season, which began airing on January 10th, 2025. The second season is also being streamed on Crunchyroll as part of the Winter 2025 anime simulcast lineup. The season is expected to have around 24 episodes, similar to the first season.
The opening sequence for season two, featuring the theme song “Hyakka Ryoran” by Rira Ikuta, has also been released in a non-credit version. The animation, directed by Saiku Nakata, integrates motifs such as mirrors, optical illusions, and key items from each episode, visually representing Maomao and Jinshi’s expanding world.
The Story of Maomao
The Apothecary Diaries is adapted from a popular Japanese light novel series written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Toko Shino. The story follows Maomao, a young and intelligent apothecary who is kidnapped and forced into servitude at the Imperial Palace. Despite her circumstances, she uses her unique knowledge of medicine and poisons to solve mysteries within the palace walls.
The series, set in a fictional ancient land, portrays Maomao as a resourceful and independent character. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes involved in unraveling medical mysteries, gaining the attention of the powerful palace eunuch, Jinshi. The series is praised for its blend of historical drama and mystery, with a focus on Maomao’s apothecary skills.
Key Characters
- Maomao: A young, resourceful apothecary with a passion for poisons and medicines. She is kidnapped and sold into servitude in the Imperial Palace where she uses her skills to solve medical mysteries.
- Jinshi: A mysterious and powerful eunuch within the palace who takes an interest in Maomao’s abilities and becomes her mentor. He plays a crucial role in the various mysteries that unfold.
A Multi-Media Phenomenon
The Apothecary Diaries has become a multimedia phenomenon, with the original novels inspiring two manga adaptations and a successful anime series. The light novels are published in Japan by Shufunotomo under their Hero Bunko imprint, while J-Novel Club publishes an English language version in digital form. The manga series has also garnered a large following, with the series selling over 38 million copies in total.
Adaptations
- Light Novel: Written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Toko Shino.
- Manga: Two manga adaptations: one by Itsuki Nanao, illustrated by Nekokurage, and another by Minoji Kurata.
- Anime: Produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM. The first season aired from October 2023 to March 2024, with the second season premiering in January 2025.
Where to Watch
The second season of The Apothecary Diaries is being streamed on Crunchyroll, allowing international audiences to keep up with Maomao’s adventures. The anime is directed by Norihiko Naganuma, who also serves as series composer, with Akinori Fudesaka as assistant director. The character design is by Yukiko Nakatani, who is also returning from the previous season. The music is composed by Satoru Kousaki, Kevin Penkin, and Alisa Okehazama.
What to Expect from the Exhibition
The “Apothecary Diaries Anime Exhibition” promises to be a must-visit for fans of the series. Here’s what attendees can expect:
- 3D Recreations: Immersive recreations of famous scenes from the anime.
- Original Artwork: Displays of original drawings, storyboards, and art settings.
- Production Materials: Rare and valuable materials offering insight into the anime’s production.
- Video Displays: Engaging video content to enhance the experience.
The exhibition aims to provide a comprehensive look at the detailed world-building and artistic process behind the anime. This event, combined with the release of season two, marks an exciting time for fans of The Apothecary Diaries. The exhibition is a perfect opportunity to delve deeper into the series’ intricate world and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into bringing the story to life.
Exhibition Details
- Event: The Apothecary Diaries Anime Exhibition
- Dates: March 26th (Wed) – April 14th (Mon)
- Venue: Matsuzakaya Ginza, 8th Floor Event Square
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (closes at 7:30 PM on March 30, April 6, and April 13. Final day closes at 5:00 PM)
- Admission:
- General: ¥1,800
- High School: ¥900
- Middle School: ¥700
- Elementary School: ¥500
- With Goods: ¥3,900
The upcoming exhibition and the premiere of the second season are set to propel The Apothecary Diaries into even greater popularity, captivating audiences with its engaging story, well-developed characters, and unique blend of historical drama and mystery.
