Matt Schley
February 15, 2023 
The Apothecary Diaries, a series of light novels about a young woman who brews potions and solves mysteries, is getting an anime adaptation.
Main character Maomao will be played by Aoi Yuki. The series will begin airing in 2023.
It’ll be directed by at Norihiro Naganuma (The Ancient Magus’ Bride) at Toho Animation Studio and OLM.
The light novels, written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino, have been running since 2011, originally published online before being released in print form.
The Apothecary Diaries is published in English by J-Novel Club. Here’s how it describes the series:
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?
You can read our review of the first volume of the manga adaptation here.
Source: Natalie
