Fans of The Apothecary Diaries have much to look forward to as the beloved anime returns for its second season in January 2025. Based on Natsu Hyuga’s highly-acclaimed novel, the series garnered widespread attention with its first season in 2023, bringing intricate mysteries, compelling characters, and historical intrigue to a wider audience. Now, the story will continue with fresh twists and deeper character dynamics.
In a recent update, the production team revealed a brand-new teaser trailer, an official key visual, and confirmed that the second season will be a two-cour broadcast, meaning it will air continuously over two seasons, roughly spanning six months. The new episodes will begin airing on January 10, 2025, and will see the dynamic relationship between the sharp-witted protagonist Maomao and the enigmatic Jinshi further explored, much to fans’ anticipation.
Returning Creative Team and Cast
TOHO and OLM studios are back to animate Season 2, with Norihiro Naganuma once again at the helm as director and composer, continuing the creative direction that brought the first season to life. Fans of the series can also expect the return of the original voice cast, including:
- Aoi Yuki as Maomao
- Takeo Otsuka as Jinshi
- Megumi Han as Meimei
- Katsuyuki Konishi as Gaoshun
- Yui Ishikawa as Lihua
- Misaki Kuno as Xiaolan
- Yuko Kaida as Ah-Duo
- Atsumi Tanezaki as Gyokuyo
- Hina Kino as Lishu
- Takuya Kirimoto as Lakan Kan
- Ami Koshimizu as Pairin
A Rich History of Storytelling
The Apothecary Diaries originated as a web novel in 2011 and has since expanded into a successful light novel series, with its latest volume released in 2024. The story has also inspired two separate manga adaptations, published by Square Enix and Shogakukan, further cementing its popularity among readers and anime enthusiasts alike.
Set in an imperial palace in the East, the narrative follows Maomao, a clever young woman with extensive medical knowledge who finds herself sold into service at the emperor’s sprawling rear palace, known as the hougong. Her unassuming appearance belies her sharp intellect, and she quickly becomes entangled in palace intrigues after catching the attention of Jinshi, the head eunuch. As she navigates the dangerous politics of the court, Maomao uses her skills to uncover secrets, solve mysteries, and protect those around her.
Season 2 promises to dive deeper into the court’s complex relationships, building on the intrigue that captivated viewers in its first outing. With a combination of mystery, historical drama, and sharp character interactions, The Apothecary Diaries is poised to continue its rise as one of anime’s most intriguing period pieces.
Fans won’t have long to wait, as the new season’s debut on January 10, 2025, draws ever closer.
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