A new anime was in the works for a 2023 debut, coming from the light novel series The Apothecary Diaries by Natsu Hyuga and Touko Shino. The announcement in February 2023 came with a lot of the basics and a teaser promo. The series saw an October 21st, 2023, premiere date for the show, and we’ve had a few dubs along the way produced for it.
With the show wrapping up earlier last year with its first two-cour season, it was revealed that a second season was coming, which saw a January 10th, 2025, premiere date. The production has brought out a new bit of cast information with the reveal that Natsumi Fujiwara will be playing Kyou-u, who makes their appearance in tomorrow’s episode.
The series is directed by Norihiro Naganuma with Akinori Fudesaka assisting. Naganuma is also overseeing the scripts while Y\ukiko Nakatani is handling the character designs. TOHO and OLM are working on the animation production.
The Japanese cast includes Aoi Yuki as Maomao, Takeo Otsuka as Jinshi, Katsuyuki Konishi as Gaoshun, Atsumi Tanezaki as Gyokuyō, Yui Ishikawa as Lihua, Hina Kino as Lishu, Yuko Kaida as Ah-Duo, Megumi Han as Meimei, Ami Koshimizu as Pairin, Hiroki Nanami as Joka, Kimiko Saitō as Yarite Babaa (Madam), Hiroshi Yanaka as Luomen, Kenji Akabane as Lihaku, Misaki Kuno as Xiaolan, and Mitsuaki Kanuka as Yabu Isha.
The opening theme song is “Hana ni Natte” as performed by Ryokuōshoku Shakai’s while Aina The End is performing the ending theme song “Aikotoba.”
The novels are released in English through J-Novel Club.
Check out the official site and Twitter.
Plot Concept: In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in an unassuming town by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there.
Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That’s her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao’s façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor’s favorite consort… so she can taste the lady’s food for poison!
