**The Apothecary Diaries** is a TV anime based on the hugely popular light novel by Natsu Hyuuga (originally serialized as a web novel on "Shousetsuka ni Narou").
With two manga adaptations serialized simultaneously — the Big Gangan version (by Nekokurage) and the Sunday GX version (by Minoji Kurata) — the series has surpassed 32 million copies in cumulative circulation.
Set in the rear palace of a fictional ancient Chinese-inspired empire, apothecary girl Maomao uses her knowledge of poisons and medicine to solve court mysteries and intrigues — a one-of-a-kind court mystery!
"Both poison and medicine depend on how you use them."
Maomao's knowledge and deductive skills illuminate the darkness of the rear palace 🌿
✨ Highlights
🧑 👥 Main Characters
❓ FAQ
🌟 Featured Comments
01① A Fresh Mystery Solved with Medicine and Poison
Maomao is an apothecary raised in the pleasure district, with unmatched knowledge of poisons and medicine in the court.
The way she logically solves mysterious incidents in the rear palace using medical and pharmaceutical knowledge is supremely entertaining.
Deductions based on real knowledge like "the poison in face powder" and "the dangers of honey" truly shine 🧪
02② Maomao's Irresistibly Charming Character
Maomao is brilliant and composed, but becomes wildly excited when it comes to poisons and medicine — a true eccentric.
She has zero interest in power or advancement, just wanting to research medicine — her nonchalant personality is the best.
That gap is irresistibly adorable 💚
03③ The Exquisite Relationship Between Jinshi and Maomao
The dynamic between Jinshi, a eunuch of peerless beauty, and Maomao, who is completely unmoved by his looks, is a major highlight.
Jinshi being led around by Maomao is hilarious, yet the gradual closing of the distance between them is thrilling.
A relationship that begins from "trust" rather than "romance" is wonderful 💕
04④ Stunning Visuals and Music
The visual beauty crafted by TOHO Animation and OLM is breathtaking.
The Chinese-inspired court and rear palace splendor, with costumes drawn in exquisite detail, create stunning imagery.
The OP "Hana ni Natte" (Ryokuoushoku Shakai) and ED "Aikotoba" (Aimer) became huge hits, brilliantly coloring the world of the series 🎵
05⑤ The Depth of the Rear Palace Setting
The rear palace is a women's garden where the emperor's consorts reside.
In this closed space swirling with power struggles, jealousy, and conspiracies, Maomao gets drawn in as "just an apothecary."
Contrary to its glamorous appearance, the dark world where poisoning and curses are commonplace becomes addictive 🏯
06① The Apothecary Girl Sold to the Rear Palace
Maomao, raised in the pleasure district by her adoptive father Luomen, an apothecary, is one day kidnapped and sold to the rear palace as a servant.
Though she tries to live inconspicuously, she encounters a situation where the emperor's children fall ill one after another.
Realizing "this is poison," Maomao uses her apothecary knowledge to identify the cause 🌿
07② As Lady Gyokuyo's Attendant
Recognized for her talents by Jinshi, Maomao is appointed as Lady Gyokuyo's attendant and food taster.
Under Lady Gyokuyo, Maomao solves one suspicious incident after another within the rear palace.
From "the poisoned sweets at the garden party" to "the truth behind the ghost commotion" — pharmaceutical knowledge holds the key to every case 🔍
08③ Jinshi's Secret and Court Conspiracies
Jinshi is said to be a "eunuch," but a great secret is hidden behind his true identity.
As Maomao solves cases, she begins to notice the court's power structure and Jinshi's true position.
The more she learns, the closer she gets to dangerous truths — what fate awaits Maomao... 👀
09④ The Fateful Connection with Lakan
Military strategist Lakan is a complicated figure for Maomao.
A genius who cannot read people's hearts, an eccentric with a deep fateful connection to Maomao.
The episode revealing Lakan and Maomao's past is one of the series' finest scenes 😢
10⑤ The Story Deepens Further in Season 2
In Season 2, airing in 2025, Maomao ventures beyond the rear palace to new stages of activity.
New developments at the Jade Palace, progress in her relationship with Jinshi, and a major incident that shakes the court await.
Great expectations for the scaled-up story 🔥
Maomao / CV: Aoi Yuuki
The protagonist. An apothecary girl raised in the pleasure district with extensive knowledge of poisons and medicine. Calm and composed but obsessed with poisons, an eccentric who even tests poisons on herself. She solves incidents in the rear palace with pharmaceutical knowledge 🌿
Jinshi / CV: Takeo Otsuka
A eunuch who manages the rear palace. Possesses peerless beauty that captivates regardless of gender. He discovers Maomao's talent and entrusts her with solving various cases. His true identity hides the court's greatest secret ✨
Lady Gyokuyo / CV: Atsumi Tanezaki
One of the emperor's high-ranking consorts and Maomao's mistress. With a bright and friendly personality, she dotes on Maomao. Mother of Princess Lingli, she relies on Maomao's wisdom to protect her position in the rear palace 🌸
Gaoshun / CV: Katsuyuki Konishi
Jinshi's aide and a capable military officer. He serves Jinshi faithfully and also acts as a liaison with Maomao. Calm and honest, but often thrown off by Jinshi's freewheeling nature ⚔️
Xiaolan / CV: Misaki Kuno
A servant who becomes Maomao's best friend in the rear palace. With a bright and energetic personality, she is Maomao's emotional support in the rear palace. A precious presence who always cheers Maomao on when she gets caught up in incidents 💛
Lakan / CV: Takuya Kirimoto
A heavyweight in the military and a genius strategist. A master of Go and Shogi, but an eccentric who struggles to read people's hearts. He has a complex fateful connection with Maomao, and the episode revealing their past cannot be watched without tears 😢
What kind of anime is “The Apothecary Diaries”?
**The Apothecary Diaries** is a TV anime based on the hugely popular light novel by Natsu Hyuuga (originally serialized as a web novel on "Shousetsuka ni Narou"). With two manga adaptations serialize…
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