Contents
Introduction
The Apothecary Diaries is a Japanese light novel series by Natsu Hyūga, with illustrations by Touko Shino. It started as a web novel in 2011, was later published as a single volume novel in 2012, and then as a light novel series in 2014. It also has two manga adaptations, and you can read the light novel in English through J-Novel Club. The upcoming anime in October 2023 produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM has already been one of the most anticipated anime of the Fall 2023 season, and here’s why you should add this to your watchlist.
Plot Unveiled
The anime’s official poster, featuring Maomao and Jinshi.
The Apothecary Diaries, also known as Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, is set in a fictional ancient Chinese-inspired empire, where political intrigue, hidden agendas, and secrets lurk behind every corner. The story revolves around Maomao, a pragmatic pharmacist with a mysterious past linked to the red-light district. Her life takes an unexpected twist when she's abducted and forced into servitude within the imperial court. At first, Maomao tries to remain inconspicuous, concealing her remarkable skills. However, her plans change with the death of the crown prince and the illness of the consorts.
Jinshi first notices Maomao.
Reluctantly, Maomao shares her findings with the consorts by scribbling on a piece of her own clothing. Her discreet efforts draw the attention of Jinshi, an intriguing eunuch who enlists her as a food tester for one of the noble consorts and seeks her expertise in herbology. Jinshi occasionally turns to her as a detective due to her exceptional wit.
But the imperial palace is no ordinary place—it's a hotbed of political scheming and power struggles among concubines, officials, and eunuchs. Maomao, armed with her intelligence and knowledge of poisons, finds herself entangled in the web of courtly intrigues. Her life becomes a delicate dance of survival, intelligence, and resourcefulness as she uncovers mysteries, from palace conspiracies to curing the illnesses plaguing the imperial harem.
The Enigmatic Protagonist: Maomao
Maomao, the protagonist, is a complex and enigmatic figure. She defies the typical mold of a helpless female protagonist often seen in historical settings. Instead, she is a breath of fresh air—a strong-willed, resourceful, and intelligent woman who thrives in adversity.
Maomao detects poison from the food.
Her expertise in medicine and poisons makes her an invaluable asset within the palace, but it also exposes her to dangerous secrets and power plays. Maomao's character development is a central theme of the series as she evolves from a reserved and unassuming apothecary into a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Her unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and her determination to survive in the treacherous palace environment are qualities that make her a compelling protagonist. Maomao's wit, independence, and resilience resonate with viewers, drawing them deeper into her world and the mysteries she unravels.
A Fascinating Cast of Characters
The Apothecary Diaries boasts a rich ensemble of characters, each with their own hidden agendas and motives. From the elusive eunuch Jinshi to the complex imperial concubines, the cast adds layers of intrigue and depth to the story.
Jinshi, the beautiful eunuch that is usually described as someone who has the looks of a celestial maiden.
One standout character is Jinshi, whose relationship with Maomao is at the heart of the narrative. Despite the constraints of their respective positions, Jinshi and Maomao develop a unique bond, built on trust and a shared desire for the truth. Jinshi's enigmatic personality and his role in palace politics add an extra layer of complexity to the story—after all, Jinshi has so many responsibilities within the palace that other eunuchs don’t have, which makes Maomao wonder who he really is. Is Jinshi really just a eunuch or is there more than meets the eye?
The relationship between Jinshi and Maomao is a complex tapestry of emotions, mutual understanding, and unspoken affections. Initially, Jinshi viewed Maomao as a valuable asset and a source of intrigue, as he viewed Maomao’s apathy of him amusing and refreshing. But as time passed, his feelings evolved into something deeper—a profound romantic affection that he struggled to conceal.
Jinshi possesses a unique ability to coax Maomao into action, even when she's reluctant to involve herself in the court's intricate affairs. He employs various tactics, from bribery to persuasion, and is willing to go to great lengths to ensure her cooperation. On the other hand, Maomao maintains a facade of respect due to their master-subordinate relationship, but she's far from enchanted by Jinshi's charms. She remains one of the few individuals in the series impervious to his captivating looks and clinginess. Her irritation is palpable through her body language, often manifesting in a disdainful expression akin to how one might regard an unwelcome insect.
Jinshi and Maomao’s usual dynamic, as illustrated by Nekokurage, the artist of one of the manga adaptations.
Despite her outward aversion, there's a nuanced caring beneath the surface. She had come to appreciate his presence, and his actions have caused her to become indebted to him. He is the noble closest to her in the palace, even more so than Noble Consort Gyokuyou, whom she had served for quite some time.
While she pretends ignorance of Jinshi's affections, it appears that she's well aware of them and chooses to ignore it for the sake of her own peace. Her reluctance to disrespect him allows him to remain close, even though her sentiments do not mirror his. Their differences in class and her lack of interest in romance serve as impediments to any potential relationship that they may have. Will Jinshi ever have a chance?
Jinshi’s current predicament: everyone loves Jinshi; Jinshi only has eyes for Maomao, and Maomao is only interested in anything related to poisons and medicine.
The imperial concubines, too, are not mere secondary characters. Each of them has her own ambitions and secrets, and their interactions with Maomao provide insight into the power dynamics of the harem. These multifaceted characters contribute to the overall richness of the plot, keeping viewers engaged as they peel back the layers of the court's intrigue.
Historical Authenticity and Themes of Power
The Apothecary Diaries distinguishes itself with its unwavering commitment to historical accuracy, immersing viewers in an opulent yet dangerous ancient China. Every element is precisely replicated, from court etiquette to traditional costume and architecture.
This devotion extends to the use of ancient herbal treatments, poisons, and therapeutic techniques, providing an intriguing peek into the medical world of the time. Maomao's knowledge as an apothecary also adds to the story.
Underlying this historical tapestry is an investigation of power and secrecy inside the imperial court. Knowledge is supreme, and Maomao's discoveries have far-reaching implications. The series explores the concept of deception, providing dimension to character relationships and emphasizing the rarity of trust in the palace's complicated web of intrigue.
『薬屋のひとりごと』プロジェクトPV／2023年TVアニメ放送決定！
The Apothecary Diaries Trailer 1
The Apothecary Diaries ( Kusuriya No Hitorigoto ) - Official Teaser Trailer 2 | English Subtitles
The Apothecary Diaries Trailer 2
The Apothecary Diaries stands as a shining example of how historical settings and intricate storytelling can be seamlessly blended to create an engaging and immersive story. With its compelling protagonist, richly developed characters, and meticulously recreated ancient China, the series offers a captivating journey into a world of secrets, power, and survival. For fans of mystery, historical drama, and character-driven narratives, this is a must-watch that promises hours of intrigue and enjoyment. And of course, if you enjoy strong female protagonists, then you’ll definitely enjoy this!
The anime will premiere on October 21 with its first three episodes released all at once. It will also have two cours, which has become a rarity in recent anime. In the meantime, you can check out the light novel and the manga if you can’t wait to see Maomao in action.
What do you think?
Will Maomao ever reciprocate Jinshi’s feelings?
What is Jinshi’s true identity? Is he really just a eunuch?
What is Maomao’s connection to the red-light district?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media (X (former Twitter), Instagram, Facebook)! We’d love to hear from you!
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You can watch The Apothecary Diaries on Crunchyroll.
About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
