The second season of the popular mystery-drama anime The Apothecary Diaries debuted last month, continuing its faithful adaptation of the light novel series. This time, Akinori Fudesaka, who previously served as assistant director, has stepped into the role of director, taking over from Norihiro Naganuma. Naganuma now supports the production as chief director.
In a recent interview with Mantan Web, Fudesaka shared the difficulties he faces in leading the series’ animation team while striving to create a visually immersive experience that captures the full emotional depth of the story.
A New Challenge for the Director
Explaining the difference between his previous role and his current one, Fudesaka noted, “The assistant director’s job is to take the director’s vision and give it shape. But when directing an anime, you have to create the framework, establish the path, and oversee production on-site.”
One of his key focuses is making the world of The Apothecary Diaries feel alive. “I always try to show that the characters truly exist in that world. Each one has their own way of thinking and feeling,” he said.
Bringing The Apothecary Diaries to Life
Based on the light novel series by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a young woman trained in medicinal herbs with a unique fascination for poison. After being kidnapped and sold to the imperial court, she becomes a poison taster under the watchful eye of Jinshi, a eunuch who admires her skills and values her as a person. As Maomao navigates palace conspiracies, her keen intellect and knowledge of medicine make her an indispensable figure in uncovering hidden plots.
Given the complexity of the characters, Fudesaka’s main goal is to ensure their relationships feel natural and well-connected on screen. “I found myself crying while correcting the storyboard,” he admitted. “The story is beautifully woven with compelling characters, so I’m focusing on expressing their emotions and ensuring their connections are seamless. I want viewers to truly feel like this world exists and immerse themselves in it.”
The Art of Expressing Emotion Through Animation
Fudesaka considers conveying character emotions one of the most challenging aspects of directing. “Since I originally started as an artist, I pay close attention to camera angles, composition, and lens choice. A character’s emotions can change depending on how they are framed,” he explained.
Lighting and color play a crucial role in setting the mood, particularly in evening and nighttime scenes. He credits Naganuma for emphasizing this approach in Season 1 and continues to refine it. “We don’t just use standard colors; we adjust them based on the characters’ emotions. For instance, if a scene takes place at dusk but has a tense atmosphere, I’ll introduce a subtle reddish light to enhance that sense of unease,” Fudesaka said. Rather than simply applying a red filter over the entire shot, he and his team carefully craft the lighting to heighten emotional impact.
Season 2’s Success and International Streaming
Fudesaka’s meticulous attention to detail seems to be resonating with fans. Recently, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 was ranked #1 in a survey of Japan’s favorite Winter 2025 anime.
Crunchyroll is streaming the series for international audiences, with new episodes premiering every Friday at 9:15 AM (PST).
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