Unveiling the Enchanting World of The Apothecary Diaries: A Captivating Addition to the Fall 2023 Anime Line-Up
The Apothecary Diaries: A captivating masterpiece in the Fall 2023 anime line-up, boasting a mesmerizing plot, exceptional staff, breathtaking visuals, and an absolute must-watch for all anime enthusiasts
Article Key Points
The Apothecary Diaries is a historically-based anime with impressive visuals and an intriguing storyline set in ancient China.
The anime is adapted from a well-loved light novel series and has produced two ongoing manga adaptations.
This series boasts a highly skilled team and provides viewers with a visually captivating experience through its intricate backgrounds, vibrant colors, and the incorporation of flowers as a storytelling tool. It is an absolute must-see for anime enthusiasts this season.
The Apothecary Diaries, a historical drama, made a late entrance to the Fall 2023 anime lineup. It premiered on Sunday, October 22, with a captivating start of three episodes. Produced by OLM, the same studio behind the currently-airing horror anime Dark Gathering, this anime boasts stunning visuals that enhance its appeal and an intriguing storyline, even in its early stages.
Set in ancient China, The Apothecary Diaries stands out among the notable adaptations of historical manga, thanks to its exquisite art and animation that beautifully complement its captivating plot. What contributes to the anime's visual appeal?
Plot and Background
The Apothecary Diaries Episode 1 Maomao Entertainment District
The Apothecary Diaries is set in a fictional country inspired by ancient China and revolves around the story of Maomao, a 17-year-old girl who is abducted and forced to serve as a maid in the emperor's palace. Despite her lowly position, Maomao plans to endure her servitude until she can be free. However, when she learns that the infants of two concubines, Lady Gyokuou and Lady Lihua, have become ill, Maomao decides to secretly utilize her knowledge of medicine and pharmacy that she acquired while growing up in the Red-Light District. She discreetly advises the concerned mothers, hoping to help them save their children. Unfortunately, only Lady Gyokuou's child survives after Maomao's intervention, and the only clue she has is a note explaining the cause of the illness. Trying to remain anonymous, Maomao unwittingly catches the attention of Jinshi, a powerful eunuch who often accompanies Lady Gyokuou. Eventually, she finds herself working in the inner court due to unforeseen circumstances.
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto originated from a light novel series with the same name, written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino. The series was initially self-published on the Japanese platform Shōsetsuka ni Narō from October 2011 onwards. In the following year, it was acquired by Shufunotomo, who published it as a novel with a single chapter. In 2014, it was released as a light novel series. The popularity of The Apothecary Diaries led to the creation of two manga adaptations. One is illustrated by Itsuki Nanao (known for Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina) with artwork by Nekokurage, and it has been published in Square Enix's Monthly Big Gangan Magazine since May 2017. The other adaptation is illustrated by Minoji Kurata (known for Art, Assassin's Creed: China) and has been published in Shogakukan's Monthly Sunday Gene-X since August of the same year. Both manga series are still ongoing. In 2019, Square Enix announced that they had acquired the license for the manga adaptation by Nanao and Nekokurage, which would be published in English under the title "The Apothecary Diaries". The English version started publishing in December 2020. The anime adaptation of the series began airing on October 21, with the release of three episodes in the first week.
Staff
The Apothecary Diaries Episode 4 Lady Lihua Maomao Jinshi
The Apothecary Diaries anime series is a collaboration between Toho Animation Studios and OLM, with Crunchyroll handling the licensing outside of Asia and Netflix securing the rights for East and Southeast Asia (excluding China). The series is planned to consist of four two-course seasons. The production team includes Director and Series Composer Norihiro Naganuma, who previously worked on The Ancient Magus's Bride; scriptwriters Hitomi Ogawa, Misuzu Chiba, and Yuuko Kakihara; character Designer Yukiko Nakatani (Assistant Animation Director for Dragon Ball Super: Broly); art director Katsumi Takao (Background Art for Initial D); Director of Photography Rumi Ishiguro (Photography for Akiba Maid War); One Punch Man Sound Director Shōji Hata, and music composed by Arisa Okehazama, Kevin Penkin, and Satoru Kōsaki. This lineup consists of accomplished professionals, with a particularly impressive record in sound and visual production, as many of them have previously worked on remarkable projects.
Visual Masterclass
Episode 1 of The Apothecary Diaries showcases stunning character designs, but what truly captivates are the exquisitely detailed backgrounds. We are treated to glimpses of Maomao's daily life, witnessing breathtaking landscapes and vibrant settings teeming with meticulously crafted background characters. These characters seamlessly blend into the main cast and their surroundings without overshadowing them. The series employs a multitude of establishing shots, offering us various perspectives on the enchanting beauty of the environments. In the first episode, Maomao's visit to the Entertainment District exemplifies the vivid and colorful aesthetic characteristic of The Apothecary Diaries. This dynamic visual feast carries on throughout the series.
Even throughout Maomao's capture, as she remains enclosed in the basket, the captivating depiction of the shifting light that permeates through the intricately woven container, along with the meticulous attention given to the flora and other minute elements, contributes to The Apothecary Diaries' immensely gratifying visual encounter, simultaneously exaggerated while grounded in a sense of reality. The abundant assortment of vibrant, patterned tapestries adorning various areas of the palace, coupled with the meticulous architectural details, maintain a consistent level of craftsmanship that pulls the audience even deeper into the narrative.
Must-Watch
The Apothecary Diaries Opening Maomao Forest showcases exceptional use of composition, vibrant color palettes, and a captivating array of textures in every scene. The depiction of flora in this series surpasses aesthetic expectations, with meticulous attention to detail and the ingenious incorporation of flowers as a narrative tool. In a genre brimming with remarkable contenders such as Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, My Happy Marriage, and BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, The Apothecary Diaries stands out as a visual masterpiece of the highest order.
In 2023, a visually captivating opening sequence has become commonplace. However, The Apothecary Diaries takes it to another level, particularly with its use of flowers as a visual motif, which complements the lyrics of the soundtrack "Be a Flower" by Ryokuōshoku Shakai ("Green Yellow Society"). As the song reaches its climax, the main character Maomao undergoes a stunning transformation, showcasing the series' visual potential. The animation dances with an array of colors, textures, and shapes, symbolizing the increasing responsibilities and expectations that Maomao faces. With its immersive setting and vibrant visuals, The Apothecary Diaries is a must-watch for anime enthusiasts this season. Stream The Apothecary Diaries on Crunchyroll.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am thrilled about the release of The Apothecary Diaries anime series. The captivating plot, exceptional staff, and breathtaking visuals make it a must-watch for all anime enthusiasts.
The anime is set in ancient China and follows the story of Maomao, a 17-year-old girl who is abducted and forced to serve as a maid in the emperor's palace. Despite her lowly position, Maomao is determined to endure her servitude until she can be free. However, when she learns that the infants of two concubines have become ill, Maomao decides to secretly utilize her knowledge of medicine and pharmacy to help them.
What I find particularly intriguing about The Apothecary Diaries is its unique blend of historical drama and medical mystery. The anime does an excellent job of portraying the intricate details of ancient Chinese culture and court life, while also weaving in a compelling whodunit storyline. The use of flowers as a storytelling tool is also a nice touch, adding an extra layer of symbolism and beauty to the narrative.
Overall, I highly recommend The Apothecary Diaries to anyone looking for a well-crafted and visually stunning anime series. It is a captivating addition to the Fall 2023 anime line-up and I can't wait to see how the story unfolds in the coming episodes.
