The Apothecary Diaries

A closer look at the story

Maomao leads a quiet, contented life alongside her father, an apothecary who works with remedies and medicines. One day, however, that calm comes to an abrupt end: the young woman is sold to the emperor's palace as a servant of the lowest rank. The strict rules of the court and the submissive existence expected among the nobility do not suit Maomao's curious, independent nature at all. When the young heirs of the imperial line start falling ill, Maomao refuses to stay silent; she sets out to find a remedy. Her bold move does not go unnoticed by Jinshi, an official at the palace. Jinshi gives Maomao a promotion, and her position at court changes completely. Now Maomao is earning a reputation by unravelling the medical riddles that crop up within the palace walls. Airing on Nippon TV since 2023, this Japanese anime features Aoi Yuuki as the voice of Maomao and Takeo Otsuka as Jinshi, with Katsuyuki Konishi and Atsumi Tanezaki also in the cast.