The captivating world of The Apothecary Diaries is back, and now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in its blend of mystery, historical intrigue, and compelling characters. Season two of the anime adaptation has just premiered, continuing the story of Maomao, a resourceful apothecary navigating the complexities of the imperial court. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, here’s everything you need to know to catch up.
A Unique Storyline Set in Ancient China
The Apothecary Diaries is based on a Japanese light novel series written by Natsu Hyūga. The story is set in a fictional country called Li, which draws heavily from the culture and social structures of ancient China, particularly the Tang Dynasty. The series follows Maomao, a young and intelligent apothecary who is kidnapped and sold into servitude at the imperial palace. Instead of succumbing to her circumstances, Maomao uses her knowledge of herbs and poisons to solve medical mysteries and navigate the treacherous politics of the inner court.
From Humble Beginnings to Palace Intrigue
Maomao’s journey begins in the red-light district where she worked as an apothecary. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she’s forced to work as a servant in the inner palace. Despite her desire to remain unnoticed, Maomao’s sharp intellect and medical skills quickly draw attention. She becomes a poison tester and starts unraveling various medical mysteries, leading her to encounters with influential figures, most notably Jinshi, a handsome and powerful eunuch.
A Blend of Mystery and Historical Drama
The series masterfully blends elements of mystery, historical drama, and a touch of humor. Each episode presents a new medical puzzle or political scheme that Maomao must solve using her unique skills. Her background as an apothecary gives her an edge, and her keen observation skills help her navigate the intricacies of the palace. While the series is set in a fictional world, its accurate portrayal of Chinese palace life, including the social hierarchy, the concubine system, and the role of eunuchs, adds a layer of authenticity.
Meet the Key Characters
The Apothecary Diaries features a cast of memorable characters, each contributing to the series’ rich tapestry. Here are some of the central figures:
Maomao: The Resourceful Apothecary
Maomao is the protagonist of the series, a young woman with a passion for medicine and a sharp mind. She is not interested in love or finding a suitor. Her main interests are solving mysteries, learning more about her medicinal knowledge, and avoiding trouble. Initially working as a servant, Maomao quickly rises in prominence due to her skills in detecting poisons and understanding medical ailments. Her resourcefulness and intelligence make her a captivating and unconventional lead character. Voiced by Aoi Yūki in Japanese and Emi Lo in English, her character is a fan favorite for her wit and determination.
Jinshi: The Enigmatic Eunuch
Jinshi is a central figure in the series and serves as a deuteragonist. He is a high-ranking and influential eunuch who takes a keen interest in Maomao’s abilities. He frequently seeks her help in solving various mysteries within the palace, often offering her rare medications in return. His interactions with Maomao are filled with intrigue, and their dynamic is a highlight of the series. Jinshi is voiced by Takeo Ōtsuka in Japanese.
Other Notable Characters
- Gyokuyou: A concubine in the palace whom Maomao serves as a food taster, often finding herself in dangerous situations trying to protect her. She is voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki in Japanese.
- Gaoshun: A servant and close associate of Jinshi. He is a loyal and supportive character who often assists Maomao.
- Shenmei: A major antagonist in the series and the principal wife of Shishou.
The Anime Adaptation: Where to Watch
The anime adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries is produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM. The first season aired from October 2023 to March 2024, and the highly anticipated second season premiered on January 10, 2025.
Streaming on Crunchyroll
The best place to watch The Apothecary Diaries is Crunchyroll. The streaming service offers both subtitled and dubbed versions of the anime. Season two premiered on January 10, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. PT, with new episodes released weekly. The simulcast release is available in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS.
Episode Release Schedule
The second season is set to run for two consecutive cours. Here is 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
The Manga and Light Novel
Before the anime, The Apothecary Diaries gained popularity as a light novel series and a manga.
Two Manga Adaptations
There are two ongoing manga series based on the light novels. One is illustrated by Nekokurage and published in Monthly Big Gangan by Square Enix. The other manga is illustrated by Kurata and published by Shogakukan in Monthly Sunday Gene-X. The manga by Nekokurage is often cited for its beautiful art style and close resemblance to the anime’s aesthetic. Both mangas are praised for their character expressions and their ability to accentuate the suspense of the plot.
Light Novel Series
The original light novel series, written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino, is licensed digitally in North America by J-Novel Club and in print by Square Enix. The light novel provides a deeper dive into the story and characters, allowing fans to explore the world of The Apothecary Diaries in more detail.
Reception and Awards
The Apothecary Diaries has garnered significant acclaim from both fans and critics. The manga adaptation has received multiple awards, including the Next Manga Award in the print category and ranking fifth on the “Nationwide Bookstore Employees’ Recommended Comics of 2020.” It also ranked ninth on AnimeJapan’s “Most Wanted Anime Adaptation” poll in 2019. The anime has also been recognized in the 2023 Anime Awards as the Best Mystery/Suspense of the Year and ranked third in the Best Drama category. The series has been praised for its strong female lead, engaging plot, and unique blend of historical intrigue and mystery. The show also has received praise for its accurate portrayal of Chinese culture.
User Reviews
Many viewers have praised The Apothecary Diaries for its well-written characters, especially Maomao, who is seen as a strong and intelligent protagonist. The story is also commended for being lighthearted with a good pace. The anime’s setting in ancient China has fascinated many viewers, encouraging them to research more about Chinese history. The animation is also well-received, though some wish the backgrounds were more detailed.
Why You Should Catch Up
The Apothecary Diaries offers a compelling viewing experience with its unique blend of historical setting, medical mystery, and strong characters. The series stands out for its intelligent and resourceful female lead, Maomao, who defies traditional roles and uses her skills to navigate a dangerous world. With the second season now underway, there’s no better time to dive into this captivating series. Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas, mysteries, or strong female protagonists, The Apothecary Diaries has something for everyone. Be sure to catch up on the first season and join the ongoing second season for a truly immersive experience.
