The Apothecary Diaries anime revealed a preview for episode 1, which is slated to premiere on October 21 with three episodes. OLM and Toho Animation Studio are animating the series. Ryokushaka is performing the opening theme song “Hanna ni natte” while AiNA THE END is in charge of the ending song “Aikotoba.”
The first episode will introduce Maomao (Aoi Yuki), who ends up working in the Emperor’s palace as a maid. One day she hears an argument about a curse that is seemingly affecting the Emperor’s sons. She heads out to meet his consorts and reveal the truth about the curse.
Norihiro Naganuma is directing the anime and also doing the series composition. Yukiko Nakatani is in charge of the character designs. The staff also includes:
- Music: Arisa Okehazama, Kevin Penkin, Satoru Kousaki
- Character Design: Yukiko Nakatani
- Art Director: Katsumi Takao
- Sound Director: Shoji Hata
- CGI Director: Yu Nagai
- Director of Photography: Rumi Ishiguro
- Assistant Director: Akinori Fudesaka
- Color Design: Misato Aida
- Editing: Daisuke Imai
The Apothecary Diaries anime is based on a light novel series written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Toko Shino. Shufunutomo has been serializing it under its Hero Bunko imprint since 2014. A manga adaptation by Itsuki Nanao has been ongoing since May 2017. J-Novel Club is publishing The Apothecary Diaries in English and describes the plot as:
In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in an unassuming town by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there. Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That’s her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao’s façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor’s favorite consort… so she can taste the lady’s food for poison!
At her lady’s side, Maomao starts to learn about everything that goes on in the rear palace—not all of it seemly. Can she ever lead a quiet life, or will her powers of deduction and insatiable curiosity bring her ever more adventures, and ever more dangers?
Source: Official Website
©Natsu Hyuga, Shufunutomo / “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto” Production Committee