The highly anticipated second season of The Apothecary Diaries anime has officially premiered, and fans are already buzzing about the new opening theme and its stunning visuals. The creditless opening, featuring the song “Hyakka Ryoran (Splendid Bounty)” by Lilas Ikuta from YOASOBI, is now available for viewing, offering a taste of the intrigue and beauty that awaits viewers in the new season.
A New Season Begins
The Apothecary Diaries season 2 premiered on January 10, 2025, marking the return of Maomao and her adventures within the imperial court. The anime is set to run for two consecutive cours, meaning fans can expect a substantial amount of content in this new installment. The animation is once again being handled by TOHO Animation Studio and OLM, ensuring the same high quality that captivated audiences in the first season.
Creditless Opening: “Hyakka Ryoran”
The creditless opening sequence is a visual feast, perfectly complementing the new theme song. Lilas Ikuta, who is also known as ikura from YOASOBI, brings a unique energy to the opening, with the lyrics inspired by Maomao’s charms, the inner court’s glamour, and the mysteries that unfold. This marks the first time Ikuta has performed the opening theme for a television anime as a solo artist, adding to the excitement surrounding the new season. The song aims to breathe new life into the anime while maintaining the same level of excitement from the first season.
Where to Watch
For fans eager to dive into the new season, Crunchyroll is the place to be. The streaming platform is simulcasting episodes in numerous regions, including North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS. This allows international fans to keep up with the story as it unfolds. While the initial release is subtitled, a dubbed version in several languages, including English and Spanish, will be available at a later date. Additionally, some regions, such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand, will be able to view it on Netflix.
Episode Release Schedule
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 will consist of 24 episodes, airing over two cours. Here’s a look at the release schedule for the first few episodes:
- Episode 1: January 10, 2025
- Episode 2: January 17, 2025
- Episode 3: January 24, 2025
- Episode 4: January 31, 2025
- Episode 5: February 7, 2025
- Episode 6: February 14, 2025
- Episode 7: February 21, 2025
- Episode 8: February 28, 2025
- Episode 9: March 7, 2025
- Episode 10: March 14, 2025
- Episode 11: March 21, 2025
- Episode 12: March 28, 2025
- Episode 13: April 4, 2025
- Episode 14: April 11, 2025
- Episode 15: April 18, 2025
- Episode 16: April 25, 2025
- Episode 17: May 2, 2025
- Episode 18: May 9, 2025
- Episode 19: May 16, 2025
- Episode 20: May 23, 2025
Fans can expect a new episode every Friday, ensuring a steady stream of new content.
Story and Themes
The Apothecary Diaries is known for its engaging blend of historical intrigue, medical mysteries, and a strong female lead in the form of Maomao. Season 2 continues this trend, following Maomao’s life as a food taster for a concubine and her continued efforts to solve medical mysteries within the palace. As a favored concubine becomes pregnant, Maomao faces new challenges, testing her wit and skills to protect those around her and herself.
The series also introduces a new character Shisui, voiced by Asami Seto, who is expected to play an important role in Maomao’s story this season. Viewers can also anticipate seeing how Jinshi, a handsome palace official, continues to influence Maomao’s journey and further development of their relationship. The new season promises more complex plots and details that require sharp observation, keeping fans hooked with the unique story and characters.
Behind the Scenes
Norihiko Naganuma returns as the Chief Director and writer for the series composition. Akinori Fudesaka takes on the role of Director, with Wataru Nakagawa serving as Assistant Director. The script is written by Hitomi Ogawa, Misuzu Chiba, and Yuko Kakihara, while the character designs are created by Yukiko Nakatani. The music is composed by Arisa Okehazama, Kevin Penkin, and Satory Kosaki. This talented team aims to continue the success of the first season and bring more life to the world of The Apothecary Diaries.
Additional Information
In addition to the opening theme, a new ending theme song titled “Shiawase no Recipe” (The Recipe for Happiness) by HIRAIDAI has also been released, showcasing the beautiful music and artistry that the series is known for. An exhibition dedicated to the anime will also be held in various locations in Japan starting at Matsuya Ginza, Tokyo from March 26th to April 14th, featuring three-dimensional scene recreations, production materials, and more.
Conclusion
With a new season comes new mysteries, and the second season of The Apothecary Diaries is off to a strong start. The creditless opening is a must-see for fans, and the return of the show on Crunchyroll means fans will not have to wait long for the story to unfold. With its rich story, captivating characters, and high-quality animation, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 is set to be another success. The combination of romance, medical puzzles, and palace intrigue promises an engaging viewing experience.
