Natsu Hyūga's The Apothecary Diaries light novel series, which depicts the dramatic daily life of a pharmacist in an imaginary ancient Chinese setting, will be adapted into an anime in 2023, TOHO Animation and OLM Studios announced. The team also revealed a teaser visual, project trailer, and key staff members for the upcoming anime.
The anime tells the story of Maomao, a humble pharmacist who lives with her apothecary father in a nondescript town. However, after being kidnapped and sold into servitude in the inner palace, her sharp intellect, quick wit, and extensive medical knowledge become apparent. As a result, the chief eunuch Jinshi – Guardian of women's areas in Asian courts – takes notice and appoints her as a lady-in-waiting to the emperor's favorite consort.
Maomao's duty in this role is to taste the consort's meals for possible poisoning, which sets in motion a series of adventures as she uses her deductive skills to solve various mysteries within the imperial court. But as she uncovers more and more secrets, Maomao begins to wonder if she will ever be able to return to a peaceful and humble life.
The anime adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries is fortunate to have a talented and experienced team on board. Leading the way is Norihiko Naganuma, the renowned director of The Ancient Magus' Bride, an anime that had a similar mythical air and aesthetic quality. Naganuma not only directs but also serves as the series' composer, and assisting him in direction is Akinori Fudesaka, who previously worked on Tsuredure Children.
The stunning character designs were created by the talented Yukiko Nakatani, known for her work on Tropical-Rouge! Precure, while color design is in the capable hands of Misato Aida, the master artist who worked on The Tale of Princess Kaguya.
World building and art direction are handled by Katsumi Takao (Several Pokemon and Inazuma Eleven Movies), while Yu Nagai (Terraformers, Komi Can't Communicate) lends his expertise as CGI director and Rumi Ishiguro (Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance) captures the visual beauty of China's past as cinematographer. Daisuke Imai (Gundam Thunderbolt, Pokemon) is the mastermind behind the seamless editing and Shoji Hata (Fate/Stay Night Heaven's Feel) is the sound director.
The music is composed by the exceptional duo of Kevin Penkin, renowned for creating the music for Made in Abyss, and Alisa Okehazama, who worked on the music for the popular Jujutsu Kaisen. As for Maomao, she will be voiced by none other than Aoi Yuki (Lucy in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Tanya Degurechaff in The Saga of Tanya the Evil). In 2021, The Apothecary Diaries ranked 10th on the Anime Japan Poll's list of works most deserving of an anime adaptation.