Toho Animation’s long-awaited anime adaptation of the famous light novel series The Apothecary Diaries has received a new update.
A new trailer for the upcoming series, which highlights the animation and provides a more detailed look at the plot and characters, has been shared by studio Toho Animation. The series will premiere later this month with the first three episodes.
Based on the novel series of the same name, Apothecary’s Diary revolves around Maomao, a quick-witted young girl with extraordinary knowledge of medicine, who is kidnapped one day and suddenly finds herself at the royal palace. . Her encounter with the head eunuch Jinshi takes her into a world of secrets and danger, as she must serve as a maid to Emperor Gyokuyou’s favorite consort, tasting her food to discover present poison.
The trailer introduces Maomao’s arrival at the palace, where Imperial Concubine Gyokuyou happily accepts her as her biological daughter. Maomao becomes friends with fellow maid Xiaolan, whose rumors highlight the film’s central conflict: a mysterious curse that leads to the deaths of the maid and the emperor’s infant children. Additionally, the clip provides a glimpse of the opening theme song “Hana ni Natte” performed by Ryokuoushoku Shakai and the ending theme song “Ai Kotoba” sung by Aina the End.
The Apothecary Diaries anime is written and directed by Norihiro Naganuma, who is best known for directing The Ancient Magus’ Bride. Akinori Fudesaka serves as assistant director while Yukiko Nakatani, from the Precure series, is in charge of character designs. Shōji Hata is the sound director, while Satoru Kousaki, Kevin Penkin and Arisa Okehazama compose the music. The anime has been renewed for a second season.
Aoi Yuki and Takeo Otsuka voice the main characters, Maomao and Jinshi. Atsumi Tanezaki, Yui Ishikawa and Hina Kino take on the roles of the three consorts Gyokuyō, Lihua and Lishu, while Misaki Kuno voices the maid Xiaolan. includes Katsuyuki Konishi as Gaoshun, Yuko Kaida as Ah-Duo, Megumi Han as Meimei, Ami Koshimizu as Pairin, Hiroki Nanami as Joka, Kimiko Saitō as Yarite Babaa (aka Madam), Hiroshi Yanaka as Luomen, Kenji Akabane as Lihaku and Mitsuaki Kanuka as Yabu Isha (aka the Quack Doctor).
The Apothecary’s Diary will premiere simultaneously on Funimation, Crunchyroll, and Hulu, on October 21, 2023.
Source: Toho Animation
