The Apothecary Diaries (2025)

"The Apothecary Diaries" (薬屋のひとりごと, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) is a Japanese light novel series written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino. The story is set in a fictional empire based on Imperial China during the Tang dynasty. The protagonist, Maomao, is a young apothecary raised in the red-light district who is kidnapped and sold to the Imperial Palace as an indentured servant. She retains her curious and eccentric personality, intending to work quietly until her two years of servitude are over. When she hears rumors about the emperor’s newborns and concubines being critically ill, she investigates the cause, using her apothecary experience to solve the mystery. Despite her intention to remain anonymous, her actions draw the attention of Jinshi, an influential eunuch, and she soon finds herself solving mysteries for the royal court. "The Apothecary Diaries" has been adapted into two manga series, one published by Square Enix and another by Shogakukan. An anime television series adaptation produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM aired from October 2023 to March 2024, with a second season scheduled to premiere in January 2025. The series has been well-received for its engaging plot, vibrant characters, and unique application of pharmacological elements.