The Apothecary Diaries Recap
The Apothecary Diaries anime is based on light novel by Natsu Hyuga and Touko Shino. The plot is follows in Imperial China during Tang Dynasty. A young girl named Maomao who was taken away and sold to Imperial Palace as a servant. Maomao lives with her foster father Luomen and work in Verdigris house. She has knowlege of medicine and a delective on solving mysteries within Imperial Palace. This got the attention of Jinshi, a eunuch and adminstrator of the palace. Maomao also help the four Emperor’s Concubines Gyokuyo, Lihua, Lishu and Ah-Duo. Throughout season 1, we learn about Maomao struggles on being in high society and become closer to Jinshi. In the begining episodes, Maomao learn about Gyokuyo and Lihua rivalry went having a heir. Two of them became sick and Maomao nurses them back to health.
The ladies in waiting was envious of Maomao because how close she is with Jinshi. During traditional ceremonies, Maomao try out food and drinks to test for poison. She stated that “I have a high tolerates for poison” because her knowledge of herbism. Mamao also can see what people are allergy to, for example Lishu don’t like fish. Also, Maomao scolds woman in waiting for using powder and honey on Concubines. In the series, Maomao also help metalwork brother to patch things up with one other. Also she solves a firework rash incident as well. She also have a biological father named Lakan, a tactician who later reunited with is Fengxian (who succumb to a sickness) in Verdigris house. While Maomao sovles one case at a time, she often breaks rules and Jinshi worry about her.
Maomao’s Character
Maomao has a support system such as woman in Verdigris house, Gyokuyo and her foster father along with her friend Xiaolan. She also have a knack for herbs and shining things. When Maomao was in makeup, Jinishi was captivated by her beauty. Maomao reminds me of Friren from Beyond Jouney’s End because her deadpan personality. She is willing to risk her own live to save Jinshi from attempted assassination. In the course of the series, Maomao intended to overwork to produce Blue Roses for The Emperor. She is willing to teach others like The Emperor’s Cuccubines, Jinishi and others as well. Despite this, Maomao don’t hate Lakan but got him to buy out Fengxian at Verdigris House. She makes a deal with Lakan by drinking poison (later on sake) in a GO match.
In the series, we do get a backstory of the characters like Lakan. Lakan sees people as GO pieces and had some family troubles. Jinshi hiddening is identity and a mother of high-ranking concubine. Lihaku wants to buy Pairin because he falls in love with her. There might be more character development in season two, I know of it. The Apothecary Diaries is a beautifully told story with fantastic animation done by Toho Animation Studio and OLM. Apothecary Diaries makes you more and how Maomao will solve cases in the show. I am really hoping Jinshi and Maomao become a couple in the near futute (despite their age differences). Maomao is a strong female character like Momo Ayase from Dandandan. She can deduct things based on body types, apply makeup and very knowledgable.
Closing
The Apothecary Diaries is a must-watch and filled with romance along with drama. I really enjoy the English Dub and Emi Lo (who I met in Anime USA 2023) did a great job. Also Kanji Tang as Jinishi, I would give him props as well. The last episode where Maomao was dancing was spectacular and well-depth scene. The opening and ending is was wonderful display of animation. Season 1 has 24 epsisodes and might finish them a day or more. I am excited that season 2 was announced and won alot of awards like 19th AnimaniA Awards for Best RV Series: Online. The Apothecary Diaries is ranked 5th place in AT-X and “Hana ni Natte” by Ryokuoushoku Shakai was most downloaded song in Billboard Japan Music Awards. Apothecary manga is still ongoing and anime just ended March 24, 2024. Season two starts in January 10,2025 and glad I caught up to previous season.
For me, I wait to all the episodes comes out and finish airing to view it. Anyways, this game makes want to play Phoenix Wright prequel “The Great Ace Attoney: Adventures because mystery aspect of the series. I really enjoy this series and recommended to anyone who enjoys a great story and strong female lead. It does have some humor to the show and dynamic between two major characters. I am looking foward into see how Jinshi and Maomao relationship will bloom in next season. Let me know what you think of The Apothecary Diaries in the comments below. Make sure to watch it on Crunchyroll or buy Dvd on Amazon. Thank you for reading my blogpost and tune into more.
