Netflix Anime "The Apothecary Diaries": A Masterpiece of Courtly Mystery

Hello everyone! Are you watching Netflix while eating or doing the dishes?

Netflix has plenty of popular anime, but some hidden gems often go unnoticed. Let’s talk about The Apothecary Diaries!

Netflix is home to many popular anime, but there are also hidden gems that not everyone knows about. One such gem is The Apothecary Diaries, a unique anime set against the backdrop of a courtly mystery, drawing viewers in with its deep story and captivating characters. This anime is based on the light novel of the same name by Natsu Hyuuga, a well-known Japanese author. Having already been adapted into both manga and anime, it has garnered a devoted fan base.

Today, we will explore what makes The Apothecary Diaries so special. With its intricate courtly mystery, engaging narrative, and fascinating characters, this anime stands out. Let’s take a deep dive into its most notable features and its original source material.

1. Anime Overview

The Apothecary Diaries aired from October 2023 to March 2024, produced by OLM and TOHO Animation. It was broadcast on Japanese television and is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Following the successful conclusion of Season 1, Season 2 has been officially confirmed for release in January 2025.

🎬 Storyline

One day, Mao Mao, an apothecary working in a red-light district under the care of her adoptive father, is kidnapped and sold as a maid to the imperial palace. While working there, she becomes intrigued by a series of strange incidents occurring within the the emperor's palace. Using her extensive knowledge of medicine and her sharp investigative skills, she begins solving cases that no one else can. In the process, she becomes entangled with Jinshi, a high-ranking palace official, and finds herself drawn deeper into the mysteries and intrigues of the royal court.

The green-haired girl is our protagonist, Mao Mao, and the tall young man with purple hair is Jinshi. Their playful banter is one of the highlights of the series! 🤗

While Mao Mao is fully absorbed in solving mysteries and experimenting with herbal medicine, Jinshi is constantly flustered, trying to get closer to her.

2. Unique Features of the Anime

✨ Storytelling Style

The Apothecary Diaries combines courtly mystery, medical and pharmaceutical knowledge, and character development into a single compelling narrative. More than just a series of detective stories, it also follows Mao Mao’s growth as she navigates the palace’s intricate power structures.

Each episode revolves around various incidents occurring within the court, and Mao Mao’s methods for solving them are a major point of intrigue. Sometimes she uses herbal medicine and poison analysis, while at other times she deduces clues through conversations with powerful figures. With the addition of power struggles among concubines, political intrigue, and hidden secrets, the story becomes increasingly complex and engaging.

Another notable aspect of The Apothecary Diaries is its realistic depiction of palace life. Despite its outward beauty, the imperial court is rife with power struggles, and those within must constantly fight to survive. This backdrop, combined with Mao Mao’s cool-headed personality, creates a truly unique atmosphere. The anime doesn’t just present a simple mystery but also incorporates historical elements and political conflicts, making it a layered and thought-provoking story.

🎨 Animation & Visuals

• Art Style: The animation, handled by OLM, features smooth character animation and exquisite color palettes that bring the palace setting to life. The lavish decorations inside the court, the concubines' luxurious silk garments, and the traditional Chinese-inspired architecture are meticulously illustrated, making every scene visually stunning.
• Direction: The anime emphasizes visual storytelling with carefully crafted cinematography that enhances the mystery elements. The use of lighting and shadows effectively conveys the tense atmosphere of palace intrigues. Especially when Mao Mao discovers a crucial clue or makes a deduction, slow-motion and close-up shots heighten the sense of immersion.
• OST & Voice Acting: The anime boasts a stellar voice cast, including Aoi Yuuki (Mao Mao) and Kensho Ono (Jinshi), who bring their characters to life with exceptional performances. The soundtrack further enhances the immersive experience, blending mystical and grand compositions to intensify the palace drama.

3. Main Characters

The Apothecary Diaries features a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to the unfolding courtly mystery. Here’s an introduction to the key figures surrounding Mao Mao.

🔹 Mao Mao (CV: Aoi Yuuki)

A young apothecary who is sold into palace servitude. Originally, she worked in the red-light district, studying herbs and developing medical treatments. With her extensive pharmacological knowledge and sharp intellect, she specializes in poison analysis. Though she initially tries to keep a low profile, her curiosity about the palace’s unsolved mysteries pulls her deeper into its intrigues.

Mao Mao's Fascination with Poison

Mao Mao has an unusual obsession with poison. If she spots a medicinal herb while walking, her eyes light up as she dashes toward the field, frantically gathering herbs. Those around her often react with confusion and disbelief at her enthusiasm.

Additionally, as seen in multiple scenes, Mao Mao keeps her left arm wrapped in bandages. This is because she frequently experiments by injecting or applying poisons to her own arm. She even goes as far as intentionally allowing venomous snakes to bite her left arm, purely for the sake of research.

Mao Mao turning into a catIn many scenes throughout the anime, Mao Mao is depicted with cat-like expressions and movements. Interestingly, the name Mao (猫) means "cat" in Chinese, making her name quite fitting—essentially, she becomes a "Cat-Cat."Additionally, Gaoshun refers to Mao Mao as Xiao Mao. After Mao Mao asks him to stop addressing her so formally, Gaoshun compromises by calling her Xiao Mao. In Chinese, Xiao (小) means "small," so Xiao Mao translates to "little cat" or "kitten." When he insists on calling her that, Mao Mao simply accepts it with amusement. 😂

Xiao Mao (Little Kitten)

She may seem indifferent to most things, but when it comes to solving mysteries and studying herbs, Mao Mao is absolutely dedicated.

🔹 Jinshi (CV: Kensho Ono)

A character sure to capture the hearts of female viewers, Jinshi is depicted as an incredibly handsome and charming man, admired by all the women in the palace. In a way, he holds the status of a celebrity within the imperial court. Tall and well-built, he has eyes only for the protagonist.

As a high-ranking official entrusted with overseeing the emperor’s harem, Jinshi exudes a mysterious and composed aura. However, his fascination with Mao Mao, who behaves quite differently from the other court ladies, makes him stand out. He is always smiling, yet his true emotions remain hidden. His relationship with Mao Mao becomes a crucial element of the story.

Jinshi has secrets of his own. While he seems open and carefree at first, as the plot progresses, glimpses of his hidden past and deeper motivations slowly emerge. One particularly intriguing detail is the resemblance between Jinshi and Lady Aduo, one of the concubines—a point that hints at a larger mystery within the palace.

Mao Mao remains indifferent to Jinshi’s attention, leaving him increasingly frustrated. No matter how much effort he puts into impressing her, she barely acknowledges him. This only makes Jinshi more determined, though his attempts often end in exasperation.

Additionally, Jinshi is frequently seen getting jealous whenever Mao Mao interacts with other people. Whether it's friendly conversations or casual encounters, he can’t help but feel possessive over her.

Can you feel the thrilling height difference, lady?

🔹 Gaoshun (CV: Daisuke Hirakawa)

As Jinshi’s trusted aide, Gaoshun is a loyal and composed character, always maintaining a calm and strategic mindset. He carefully observes Mao Mao’s actions while ensuring that palace affairs run smoothly. He plays an essential role in understanding the complex power dynamics within the imperial court.

Despite his serious nature, Gaoshun has a dry sense of humor and often engages in witty banter with both Jinshi and Mao Mao. His presence brings balance to their dynamic, offering both wisdom and lighthearted moments.

He rarely appears alone, as he is usually by Jinshi’s or Mao Mao’s side, acting as a silent observer and strategist. He is also the one who affectionately calls Mao Mao Xiao Mao.

Gaoshun holding onto the little kitten.

🔹 Lihua (CV: Marika Kouno)

One of the emperor’s concubines, Lihua has a gentle and warm personality. She is the first concubine Mao Mao serves in the palace, and their relationship plays a significant role in the story. Despite the ongoing court intrigues, she maintains a relatively neutral stance.

Thanks to Mao Mao’s quick thinking, Lihua was able to avoid a miscarriage. She deeply appreciates Mao Mao’s help and holds her in high regard.

Lihua is frequently depicted as cheerful and kind, often showing her trust and affection toward Mao Mao. Even within the dangerous world of palace politics.

she remains a beacon of warmth.😜

🔹 Luo Men

Mao Mao’s adoptive father and an apothecary in the red-light district. He is a thoughtful and cautious man who raised Mao Mao as his own daughter. Thanks to Luo Men, Mao Mao learned about medicinal herbs, poison handling, and the art of deduction from a young age. In addition to medical knowledge, he also taught her how to navigate the complexities of life.

Despite Mao Mao's sharp intellect, Luo Men’s experience surpasses hers, allowing him to deduce answers to mysteries that she might struggle with for extended periods. However, due to his reserved nature, he refrains from providing direct answers, instead letting her discover the truth on her own.

In his youth, Luo Men was an exceptionally skilled physician and entered the imperial palace as a eunuch under the empress's orders. However, due to certain circumstances, he was subjected to a harsh punishment where his kneecaps were surgically removed. As a result, he was expelled from the palace and forced to live as an apothecary in the red-light district.

Young Luo Men. Having studied abroad in the West, he was able to craft exotic items that others could not.

Luo Men, always struggling to teach and take care of Mao Mao. 😫😫😫

🔹 Lakan

Finally, let’s introduce Lakan!

A brilliant strategist with deep ties to the imperial family. With his keen intellect and charismatic presence, he plays a crucial role in the power struggles within the palace.

At first, he seems to have no direct connection to Mao Mao, but as the story progresses, his identity and past gradually come to light, leading to a major revelation. He significantly influences Mao Mao's entanglement in palace affairs. If you watch the series, you’ll soon uncover his true identity!

I’d love to say more about Lakan, but for the sake of your enjoyment, I’ll leave it as a mystery for now!

4. Source Material & Manga Adaptations

The Apothecary Diaries is based on the light novel series by Natsu Hyuuga, which has gained significant popularity both in Japan and internationally, leading to multiple adaptations.

📖 Light Novel Information

• Author: Natsu Hyuuga
• Illustrator: Touko Shino
• Publisher: Japan – Shogakukan, Korea – L Novel
• Total Sales: Over 11.5 million copies sold as of 2020
• Key Features: A unique blend of courtly mystery and medical knowledge, with a well-structured narrative and distinctive characters. Mao Mao’s intelligence and deductive reasoning set this series apart from other light novels.

📚 Manga Adaptations

There are two separate manga adaptations, each with its own distinct art style and storytelling approach.

Nekokurage’s Adaptation – Main Manga Version

• Publisher: Square Enix (Big Gangan)
• Volumes: 13 (ongoing)
• Features: Faithfully follows the original novel’s deep storytelling and palace intrigue, with detailed character development and immersive artwork.

Itsuki Nanao’s Adaptation – Side Story Version

• Publisher: Shogakukan (Sunday GX)
• Volumes: 16 (ongoing)
• Features: A more fast-paced and action-oriented version focusing on Mao Mao’s detective-like skills.

Both versions are based on the original work, but they differ in art style and storytelling approach, allowing readers to choose the one that suits their preferences.

It is quite rare in Japan for two different manga adaptations of the same original work to be serialized simultaneously by different publishers. Although I haven't personally read these manga, I’ve heard that even the content is nearly identical.

Despite being aware of this unusual situation, the rights holders have continued with the separate adaptations. Many speculate that this decision is due to a combination of factors, including copyright complications, wasted manpower and promotional costs, audience fragmentation, and the potential impact on the authors’ pride from inevitable comparisons. Even the original author has publicly stated that they don’t know why the manga has two separate versions.

5. Recommended Anime from the Same Studio

TOHO Animation hardly needs an introduction, as it has produced major works like Haikyuu!!, Yowamushi Pedal, and Blood Blockade Battlefront. You’re probably already familiar with many of their well-known titles.

Instead, I’d like to recommend some anime produced by OLM. I personally enjoyed several of their works, and they deserve more attention!

OLM is a Japanese animation and drama production company, and some of their works have even been imported to South Korea. Most Koreans, even if they haven’t watched them, are at least familiar with Yo-Kai Watch and Inazuma Eleven, both of which were made by OLM. While many people assume OLM specializes in children’s anime, that’s not entirely the case.

Do people from other countries know what kind of animation this company is?🙂🙂🙂

OLM has produced several anime aimed at different target audiences beyond just children's animation. Notable examples include Komi Can't Communicate, Land of the Lustrous, and Odd Taxi. These three are the ones I’d like to introduce! 🤩

Komi Can't Communicate

In the story, Komi is admired by everyone from the moment she enters high school due to her stunning appearance and elegant aura. She remains silent, expressing herself only through actions. Meanwhile, the completely ordinary protagonist, Hitohito Tadano, unexpectedly becomes her seatmate and decides to befriend her.

Tadano soon discovers Komi's secret—despite her popularity, she struggles with severe communication difficulties, making it nearly impossible for her to speak to others.

Komi sets a goal of making 100 friends, and Tadano decides to help her on this journey. The term 'komyushou' (communication disorder) was coined by Tadano himself as he observes Komi's social struggles.

For those who enjoy romantic comedies, this anime is a great pick! It's currently available on Netflix. 🤗

Land of the Lustrous

At first, the fact that this anime is in 3D may make it a bit hard to get into, but if you watch just the first two episodes, you'll quickly get used to it and find yourself fully immersed. 😛

In a distant future where humanity has disappeared, sentient gemstone beings known as the Lustrous inhabit the Earth. These beings are constantly threatened by mysterious enemies from the Moon, the Lunarians, who seek to capture them.

The protagonist, Phosphophyllite (Phos), is one of the weakest Lustrous and is assigned to recordkeeping rather than combat. However, as Phos searches for a greater purpose, they undergo dramatic changes, and along the way, the secrets of the Lunarians and the world itself begin to unravel.

One of the most unique aspects of the series is that the characters are not human, but instead, living gemstones. As seen in their designs, their hair color corresponds to the minerals they are based on. Their properties also reflect their real-world characteristics—diamonds are brilliant and durable, while cinnabar secretes toxic mercury that dissolves objects around them.

The story incorporates many Buddhist themes, making it an intriguing series to analyze and interpret. Unfortunately, the manga is currently on indefinite hiatus, so there’s no conclusion yet… 😫

Odd Taxi

Finally, let’s talk about Odd Taxi.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this series. The main character, pictured as a walrus, is a taxi driver with a personal secret. He unexpectedly becomes entangled in a major case, and through various encounters with people around him, he works to unravel the mystery.

If you appreciate a unique voice acting style, this anime is worth checking out. Unlike typical polished performances, the voice acting here leans more toward casual, everyday conversations, adding a raw and realistic feel to the story.

Despite featuring cute anthropomorphic animal characters, the setting is surprisingly grounded in reality, making Odd Taxi a gripping and unconventional mystery thriller.

5. Final Thoughts & Recommendation

✔️ Let's wrap things up! ✔️

✔️ The Apothecary Diaries!

For those who love palace mysteries and intelligent characters, this anime is a must-watch! ✔️ It's more than just a simple mystery—it delves deep into palace politics and power struggles. ✔️ Available on Netflix!

The Apothecary Diaries is not just a mystery anime; it stands out with its intricate storytelling and beautiful visuals. If you enjoy mysteries and historical dramas, this series is highly recommended!

📢 Have you watched The Apothecary Diaries? 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments, or let us know about other anime you’d recommend!

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