The likes of Vinland Saga, Samurai Champloo, and Rurouni Kenshin are exceptions to the rule, but in general, historical anime doesn’t garner as much attention as other genres unless it includes some action-packed components. Conversely, there is a dearth of actual medical-themed anime. Cell at Work!, which became popular a few years back, is the only one of note so far.
But what if we mixed the two types of stories together? What Apothecary Diaries accomplishes is precisely that. The story of Maomao, an apothecary at the court of the Emperor of China in ancient times, is the focus of this anime. Drama is a major aspect of the show, which sets it distinct from other medical anime.
Exciting Developments in the Apothecary Journal
After the show’s announcement on February 15, 2023, air dates were quickly set. The debut of Apothecary Diaries has been set for October 22, 2023. In addition, did you know that… In fact, the first episode will air all three episodes at once!
But before that happened, the official published what could be the last anime trailer. The amazing musicians who will play the show’s intro and outro have also been revealed.
Trailer for “The Apothecary Chronicles”
On October 1, 2023, Apothecary Diaries’ promotional video (or PV) premiered. It shows us how the plot will develop. A lowly royal servant named Maomao, with the help of a powerful man named Jinshi, investigates the cause of a disease plaguing the inner court.
And that’s not all: we also get a sneak peek at the show’s opening and closing themes! The opening theme has a fantastic rhythm that captures the sense of urgency in uncovering the mysteries, while the closing theme is peaceful and reminiscent of other historical anime.
Source: kusuriyanohitorigoto.jp
Members of the Apothecary Diaries Cast and Crew
Officials have unveiled more cast members alongside the new trailer. Maomao will be spoken by Aoi Yuuki, and Jinshi will be voiced by Ootsuka Takeo. Fourteen additional great actors will be listed as follows:
- Katsuyuki Konishi as Gaoshun
- Atsumi Tanezaki as Gyokuyou
- Yui Ishikawa as Lishua
- Hina Kino as Lizhu
- Yuuko Kaida as Ah-Duo
- Megumi Han as Meimei
- Ami Koshimizu as Pairin
- Hiroki Nanami as Joka
- Kimiko Saitou as Madam
- Hiroshi Yanaka as Luomen
- Kenji Akabane as Lihaku
- Misaki Kuno as Xiaolan
- Mitsuaki Kanuka as Guen
- Sumi Shimamoto as Narrator
Norohimo Naganima, best known for directing The Ancient Magus’ Bride at TOHO Animation Studio and OLM, is in charge of the series. Character designs are being handled by Yukiko Nakatani, best known for her work on Go! Princess Precure.
The music is composed by Satoru Kousaki (Beastars), Kevin Penkin (Made in Abyss), and Alisa Okehazama (Jujutsu Kaisen), and as sound director is Shouji Hata (Spy x Family).
The opening theme, “Hana ni Natte,” is performed by Ryokouoshoku Shakai, and the closing theme, “Aikotoba,” is performed by AiNA THE END.
Apothecary Records: A Memorable Narrative
The setting is the ancient Chinese imperial court. Maomao, a young woman of seventeen, is abducted and made to serve in the imperial palace. She works hard every day in spite of her situation, and she plans to keep going until her slavery is finished.
The news that the emperor’s two infants are seriously ill changes the course of her life forever. She does everything she can to assist them behind the scenes using her pharmacy skills from her days in the red-light district and manages to succeed!
However, Jinshi, a powerful eunuch, finds out about her anonymous act of compassion. Maomao’s abilities are recognized, and she is given a position as a pharmacist in the inner court. Her fame grows as she uses her medical expertise to uncover the causes of puzzling illnesses.