The Apothecary Diaries: The Irresistible Must-Watch for Fall 2023

The year 2023 has proved to be an extraordinary period for anime enthusiasts. Not only did highly anticipated titles like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen make a triumphant return, but there is a remarkable newcomer that has taken the anime world by storm – The Apothecary Diaries.

Based on the acclaimed 2011 light novel Kusuriya no Hitorigoto by Natusu Hyuga and Touko Sino, which subsequently achieved immense popularity as a manga, this series has already garnered a dedicated following. As anticipation reaches its peak, the question remains: will the anime surpass these lofty expectations?

So, with its exciting source material, all-star creative team, and catchy opening theme, here’s why The Apothecary Diaries deserves a prime spot on your Fall 2023 watchlist.

The Apothecary Diaries: an overnight sensation

The Apothecary Diaries was destined for popularity, but its meteoric rise took everyone by surprise. Within hours of its release on October 22, 2023, the anime became the number one trending topic on X (formerly known as Twitter) in Japan.

The story revolves around Maomao, a 17-year-old girl whose life takes a dramatic turn when she is abducted and sold as a servant to the Imperial Palace. From this point on, everything she knows changes. After the unexpected death of the crown prince due to a mysterious illness, Maomao utilizes her past experience as a pharmacist to save the Imperial heirs and uncover the truth behind the enigmatic deaths within the court.

What’s happened in the story so far?

The anime adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries boasts an impressive creative team. Norihiro Naganuma, renowned for his work on The Ancient Magus’: Those Awaiting a Star, takes on the directorial role. The exceptional musical score is handled by Satoru Kōsaki (Lucky Star), Kevin Penkin (Made in Abyss), and Alisa Okehazama (Jujutsu Kaisen). Adding to the brilliance, Ryokuoushoku Shakai (the band responsible for My Hero Academia's Shout Baby) delivers the captivating opening theme Hana ni Natte. It is clear that long before its debut, The Apothecary Diaries was destined for success.

On October 22, the anime premiered the first three episodes with 21 more on the way.

In these initial episodes, we are introduced to a fictionalized version of Ancient China. Here, we meet Maomao during a period of transition, as she moves from being an apothecarist to working as a laundry worker in the Inner Palace. However, as a mysterious illness spreads throughout the court, our hesitant protagonist uses her extensive knowledge of herbs to help unravel the mystery.

While it may be tempting to dismiss The Apothecary Diaries as just another historical anime, it distinguishes itself by basing its storyline on real-world logic, which adds relatability to the narrative. Rather than providing straightforward answers to the peculiar occurrences in the court, the series presents logical resolutions that viewers can appreciate, especially considering the dominance of arsenic-based makeup and the limited understanding of mental illness during that period. This unique approach offers a refreshing twist to the typical whodunit storyline.

Join us for the eagerly awaited release of this highly-anticipated new series, where we will witness the captivating journey of a pragmatic, practical, and fiercely intelligent heroine. Prepare to be transported to ancient China as we delve into the intricacies of the lives of women, offering a nuanced glimpse into their world.

Episode 4: when is the release date?

Episode 4 is set to premiere on October 29, 2023, at 1am JST. The English-subtitled version will be available about an hour later, offering fans another exciting episode that delves further into Maomao's journey and focuses on Lady Lihua's state after a heartbreaking loss. With its enigmatic storyline, stunning visuals, and enchanting music, The Apothecary Diaries has the potential to become one of the outstanding anime of the year.

Watch the first three episodes, on Crunchyroll today.

How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023

Accessing Crunchyroll's full library from outside the US is a breeze with ExpressVPN. No matter where you are, whether you're a fan of One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen, Crunchyroll is the ultimate destination for streaming anime. Just follow these easy steps to gain unlimited access to Crunchyroll's extensive content.

Join ExpressVPN, a provider with lightning-fast servers and the ability to establish a secure and private connection from anywhere in the world.

Gain access to Express VPN's extensive network of 24 various locations in the United States, ranging from New Jersey to Santa Monica.

Head over to Crunchyroll's website and begin streaming all of your beloved animes – and maybe even discover new ones along the way. Opting for Crunchyroll's US catalog offers an advantage; whereas Hong Kong users can only access less than 100 titles, the US catalog boasts an impressive collection of almost 1,000 movies and TV shows.

You can access anime content on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or opt for a subscription which also offers a 14-day free trial if you're undecided. Explore our additional anime coverage here.

Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.