It’s a good thing solving mysteries never gets old for Maomao, as she will soon return to the thick of the intrigue. A live-action series adaptation of Natsu Hyūga’s The Apothecary Diaries light novels is in the works at Prime Video Japan, with its streaming premiere set for 2028.
As announced on X/Twitter, the co-production between Toho and Amazon-MGM Studios stars Mana Ashida, whose credits include Young Mako in 2013’s Pacific Rim and the voice of Scarlet in Mamoru Hosoda’s Scarlet, in the lead role. Additional casting for the male lead Jinshi and other characters, as well as story details, remain under wraps, so it’s unclear whether the project will follow the source material closely or feature an original plot altogether. Yuki Saito (Plastic Beauty) is directing, while Erika Yoshida (BOCCHI THE ROCK! anime) serves as scriptwriter.
The streamer also unveiled a teaser visual, showing Ashida in a recreation of an iconic still from the anime:
The forthcoming series is the latest addition to a busy slate for fans. Season 3 of the anime returns on 2 October, followed by the second cour (quarter of a year) in April 2027. A film with an original story from Hyūga will be released between the two windows on 11 December, after the regional exhibition makes its stop in Singapore from 30 September to 1 November.
Written by Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino, the historical drama series started as a web novel in 2011 and has received two manga adaptations by Square Enix and Shogakukan. The official description reads:
“Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself by solving medical mysteries!”
The live-action Apothecary Diaries series is scheduled for a worldwide debut on Prime Video sometime in 2028.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
