The Apothecary Diaries (Japanese: 薬屋のひとりごと, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) is a Japanese anime television series that premiered on October 22, 2023.
It is produced by Toho Animation and OLM, and is based on a light novel series written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino. The story is set in a fictional country inspired by ancient China and follows a 17-year-old girl named Maomao, who is kidnapped and sold into servitude at the emperor's palace.
In the palace, Maomao utilizes her knowledge of medicine and pharmacy, which she acquired while growing up in the Red-Light District, to secretly assist the concubines of the emperor when their infants fall ill. Despite her intention to remain anonymous, her actions attract the attention of Jinshi, a high-ranking eunuch, leading her to become involved in the inner workings of the court. The narrative combines elements of mystery and historical drama as Maomao navigates her new life while solving medical enigmas.
The light novel series began serialization in October 2011 and has since spawned two manga adaptations. The first manga adaptation, illustrated by Itsuki Nanao, started in May 2017, while a second adaptation by Minoji Kurata began in August 2017. Both manga series are ongoing and have contributed to the popularity of the franchise.
The anime adaptation has received praise for its impressive visuals and engaging storyline. With detailed backgrounds and vibrant colors, it has been described as a visually stunning experience. The series debuted with three episodes released simultaneously, capturing the interest of anime fans this season. As of now, The Apothecary Diaries continues to air with plans for future episodes, further expanding its reach within the anime community