The Apothecary Diaries is a light novel series that has captured the hearts of many, with its anime adaptation further amplifying its reach. The series, written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino, is set in a fictional historical palace where the protagonist, Maomao, uses her apothecary skills to solve mysteries. Its sales success and the anime’s popularity highlight its broad appeal.
Sales and Popularity
The series has seen remarkable sales, exceeding 40 million copies, with a notable increase following the anime’s debut. Before the anime started in October 2023, sales were at 24 million copies, and by September 2024, they reached 38 million, with an additional boost pushing past 40 million by early 2025.
This growth, particularly the 16 million copy increase post-anime, underscores the anime’s impact on the franchise’s popularity.
Anime Details
The anime adaptation, produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM, ran its first season from October 2023 to March 2024 on Japanese TV.
The second season began on January 10, 2025, airing every Friday at 11:15 pm in the “FRIDAY ANIME Night” slot. Aoi Yûki voices Maomao, with her performance praised for capturing the character’s depth, adding an unexpected layer of acting versatility to the series.
Background of The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries, a light novel series authored by Natsu Hyuga with illustrations by Touko Shino, originated from the novel posting site “Shōsetsuka ni Narō” and was first published in print by Shufunotomo’s Hero Bunko imprint on August 29, 2014.
As of March 2024, the series comprises 15 volumes, offering a rich narrative set in a fictional country inspired by Ming-era China. The story centers on Maomao, a young apothecary’s daughter kidnapped and sold into the imperial palace, where she employs her medical knowledge to unravel mysteries and navigate palace intrigues. This blend of historical setting, mystery, and drama has propelled the series to global acclaim.
The anime adaptation, produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM, has further amplified its popularity. Directed initially by Norihiro Naganuma, with Akinori Fudesaka taking over for the second season, the anime premiered its first season on October 22, 2023, and concluded on March 24, 2024, on Nippon TV and its affiliates.
The second season commenced on January 10, 2025, airing weekly on Fridays at 11:15 pm in the “FRIDAY ANIME Night” slot, enhancing its accessibility to Japanese audiences.
Sales Figures and Impact of the Anime
The series has achieved staggering sales, with cumulative circulation exceeding 40 million copies by early 2025, as reported in recent updates (The Apothecary Diaries Series Surpasses 38 Million Copies Sold | ORICON NEWS). Prior to the anime’s debut, as of September 2023, the franchise had sold 24 million copies.
Within one month of the first season’s broadcast, sales increased to 27 million, and by the end of the season in March 2024, they surpassed 33 million.
By September 2024, sales reached 38 million, with an additional boost pushing past 40 million, likely driven by the anticipation for the second season. This represents an increase of approximately 16 million copies since the anime’s start, highlighting its significant promotional effect.
Anime Production and Cast\
The anime’s production involved Toho Animation Studio and OLM, with music composed by Satoru Kōsaki, Kevin Penkin, and Arisa Okehazama, enhancing the atmospheric depth of the series. The first season featured opening themes like “Hana ni Natte” by Ryokuoushoku Shakai and ending themes such as “Aikotoba” by Aina the End, adding to its cultural resonance.
The voice cast is a critical component of the anime’s success. Aoi Yûki, known for roles in “Attack on Titan” and “Fate/Zero,” voices Maomao, delivering a performance noted for its versatility, capturing the character’s range from a curious apothecary to a solver of palace mysteries.
Her portrayal has been described as fitting well (“hamari” in Japanese context), reflecting her ability to embody Maomao’s multifaceted personality, including moments that metaphorically align with her name, meaning “cat” in Chinese, adding a layer of depth.
Other notable cast members include Takeo Otsuka as Jinshi, the perceptive eunuch, and Yoshimasa Hosoya as Gaoshun, with English dubs featuring Emi Lo and Kaiji Tang, respectively, ensuring global accessibility (The Apothecary Diaries (TV Series 2023) IMDb).
Compared to contemporaries like “Sword Art Online” (around 25 million copies sold) and “Re:Zero” (over 10 million), The Apothecary Diaries stands out with its 40 million copy milestone, an unexpected achievement given the niche historical setting.
The second season, starting January 10, 2025, is poised to further elevate its profile, potentially pushing sales beyond current figures, especially with international dubs and streaming availability.
Detailed Sales Timeline
To illustrate the sales growth, consider the following table:
| Date | Cumulative Sales (Million Copies) |
|---|---|
| End of September 2023 | 24 |
| One Month Post-Anime Start (November 2023) | 27 |
| End of First Season (March 2024) | 33 |
| September 2024 | 38 |
| Early 2025 (Estimated) | >40 |
This table highlights the anime’s impact, with significant jumps correlating to broadcast milestones. The Apothecary Diaries exemplifies how a well-crafted story can transcend its medium, achieving both critical and commercial success.
With sales exceeding 40 million copies and the anime’s second season underway, the franchise continues to thrive, offering a compelling narrative for fans of historical mysteries and anime alike. Its journey from a light novel to a global phenomenon underscores the power of storytelling in engaging diverse audiences.
