The historical genre usually gains less popularity than other genres, unless it contains an action to an extent such as the Vinland Saga, Samurai Champloo, and Rurouni Kenshin. On the other hand, the medical genre in anime is very few. The notable one is only Cell at Work! which was hit years ago.
But what if those two genres combined together? That’s what Apothecary Diaries will be. Set in ancient China, the story is focused on how Maomao works as an apothecary in the Emperor’s palace. The concept is a bit different than other medical anime because it wights on drama.
The series was announced on February 15, 2023. It takes less than a year for officials to broadcast the series. It is confirmed that Apothecary Diaries is scheduled for October 22, 2023. Not only that, the first premiere will broadcast the first three episodes simultaneously.
But before that, the official released, a possible, final trailer for the anime. Along with it, they also announced who would perform the opening and ending of the anime. Read on!
The Apothecary Diaries Trailer
The PV was released on October 1, 2023. It highlights how the story will unfold. Maomao, who is only a low-level servant in the palace, is going to solve the mysterious illness in the inner court with the help of Jinshi, the influential eunuch.
Not only that we can also hear the chorus of the opening and ending theme of Apothecary Diaries. The opening has an amazing beat as if telling how time is of the essence in solving the mysteries. On the other hand, the ending feels so serene just like how other typical historical anime are.
Cast and Staff
With the new trailer released, the official also revealed new cast members. Before this PV dropped off, we already had Aoi Yuuki as Maomao and Ootsuka Takeo as Jinshi. Now, the other 14 cast members are announced. They are:
- 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 (The Ancient Magus’ Bride) is directing the series at TOHO Animation Studio and OLM. He is also responsible for the series composition. Yukiko Nakatani (Go! Princess Precure) is designing the character.
Shouji Hata (Spy x Family) is serving as the sound director, while the music is composed by Satoru Kousaki (Beastars), Kevin Penkin (Made in Abyss), and Alisa Okehazama (Jujutsu Kaisen).
Ryokouoshoku Shakai performs the opening theme “Hana ni Natte”, meanwhile, AiNA THE END performs the ending theme “Aikotoba”.
Story
In an imperial court of ancient China, Maomao, who is a common 17-year-old girl, was kidnapped and forced to work as a servant at the emperor’s palace. Still, she is still working hard every day and determined to keep up until her servitude time is over.
One day, his usual daily life changes when she hears emperor’s two infants caught a grave disease. Unknown to anyone, she discreetly tries to help them. Thanks to her experience as a pharmacist in the red-light district, she succeeds.
Despite her intent to help anonymously, her act is discovered by Jinshi, an influential eunuch. Recognizing her talent, Maomao was put in the inner court as a pharmacist. She gradually makes a name for herself by utilizing medicines to solve mysterious diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
The anime will premiere on October 22, 2023. It will broadcast the first three episodes simultaneously.
Ryokouoshoku Shakai (Green Yellow Society) performs the opening theme “Hana ni Natte”, meanwhile, AiNA THE END performs the ending theme “Aikotoba”.
Source: Official Website
