Certainly! Here’s an in-depth overview of The Apothecary Diaries (2023), structured with key details at the top, followed by information on voice actors and additional specifics.
🗝️ Key Details
- Title: The Apothecary Diaries
- Original Japanese Title: 薬屋のひとりごと (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto)
- Release Year: 2023
- Format: Anime Television Series
- Based On: Light novel series by Natsu Hyūga
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance
- Production Studios: Toho Animation Studio, OLM
- Director: Norihiro Naganuma
- Assistant Director: Akinori Fudesaka
- Series Composition & Scriptwriter: Norihiro Naganuma
- Character Design: Yukiko Nakatani
- Music Composers: Satoru Kōsaki, Kevin Penkin, Alisa Okehazama
- Original Network: NNS (Nippon TV)
- International Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix (availability may vary by region)
- Number of Episodes: 24 (Season 1)
- Episode Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes
- First Aired: October 22, 2023
- Last Aired: March 2024
- Second Season: Premiered in January 2025
🎙️ Voice Cast
Japanese Voice Actors
- Maomao: Aoi Yūki
- Jinshi: Takeo Ōtsuka
- Gyokuyou: Atsumi Tanezaki
- Gaoshun: Takuya Kirimoto
- Lihua: Megumi Han
English Voice Actors
- Maomao: Emi Lo
- Jinshi: Kaiji Tang
- Gyokuyou: Molly Zhang
- Gaoshun: David Wald
- Lihua: Kristen McGuire
📖 Synopsis
Set in a fictional country inspired by Imperial China, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a young woman trained in herbal medicine and pharmacology. After being kidnapped and sold into servitude at the emperor’s palace, she intends to keep a low profile. However, her keen intellect and medical expertise draw attention when she solves a mysterious illness affecting the emperor’s concubines. Recognized by Jinshi, a high-ranking eunuch with a secretive past, Maomao becomes entangled in palace intrigues, using her skills to uncover secrets and navigate the complex dynamics of the imperial court.
🎵 Music
- Opening Theme: “Hana ni Natte” by Ryokuoushoku Shakai
- Ending Theme: “Ai no Hana” by Aimer
The music complements the series’ tone, enhancing the emotional depth and period setting of Maomao’s journey.
🏆 Reception and Impact
The Apothecary Diaries has been praised for its intricate storytelling, character development, and unique blend of medical mystery and historical drama. Critics have highlighted the series’ ability to weave standalone medical cases into a broader narrative of political intrigue and personal growth. Maomao’s character, in particular, has been noted for her intelligence, independence, and depth. The anime has garnered a strong international following, leading to the release of a second season in January 2025.
📺 Additional Information
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Available On: Crunchyroll, Netflix (availability may vary by region)
- Blu-ray/DVD Releases: The first part of Season 1 (episodes 1–12) is available on Blu-ray. The second part (episodes 13–24) was released on March 25, 2025.
The Apothecary Diaries offers a compelling narrative that combines elements of mystery, romance, and historical drama. Through Maomao’s journey, viewers are immersed in a richly detailed world where knowledge and curiosity become tools for survival and empowerment.
