Summary
Quick Links
TheApothecary Diarieswas maybe an unexpected hit to many. Despite the novel already being able to gather a fair number of fans — it is usually featured in the best-selling novel ranks every year, and ittopped the anual Oricon chart this year), — a good portion of international anime fans are more into not only manga, but shounen manga. So this was a hit some might not have seen coming.
ButApothecary Diarieswas, at least in Japan, one of the most-awaited anime adaptations (it ranked 9th in AnimeJapan’s “Most Wanted Anime Adaptation” poll in 2019). Themanga adaptationof the original novel has also been highly praised by critics.
Regardless of what people were expecting,The Apothecary Diarieswas one of the hits in both Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 seasons, running for two consecutive cours. It might have gathered a bit more attention in Japan than internationally, becausepopular streaming U-Next just revealed it topped its anime category in 2024, beating series likeFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End(3rd place)and even the insanely famousDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Hashira Training Arc(2nd place, but it’s important to notice some viewers might prefer the TV experience over streaming).
What Is The U-Next Streaming Service
The Apothecary Diaries Premise
The storyhas a historical setting, but does not attempt to be historically accurate when it comes to characters and events. It is inspired by Tang dynasty China (618-907 AD) and the story centers around a girl called Maomao. She is, as the title suggests, an apothecary. Before being kidnapped and sold to the Imperial Palace, she used to work in a red-light district.
Now living as a servant, she spends a few years unnoticed by bigger players, at least until many imperial children and concubines suddenly start falling ill — using her apothecary skills, she is able to solve the mystery. After that, she is constantly requested to solve many othermysteries and conspiracies.
The second season will likely adapt volumes 3-4, starting from where the first one left.Akinori Fudesakais in charge of the new season direction, and this is his directional debut. The previous one was directed byNorihiro Naganuma, who is still part of the staff, but as the head writer (he wrote and directed the first season). Studios Toho Animation Studio and OLM animate the series. The series willreturn with 24 episodesand is scheduled to debuton June 12, 2025.
The Apothecary Diariesis available to stream on Crunchyroll, subbed and dubbed.
