The combined circulation of the original novel and two comic adaptations of “The Apothecary Diaries” has surpassed 38 million copies.
“The Apothecary Diaries” is a light novel series written by Natsu Hyuuga. The protagonist, Maomao, a former pharmacist from a redlight district, becomes a “poison taster” in the imperial palace. Alongside the handsome eunuch Jinshi, Maomao solves various mysteries. The series has been adapted into an anime, with the second season set to air in 2025.
As of the end of September 2024, before the broadcast of the first anime season, the series had already accumulated 24 million copies in circulation. Within just one month after the anime’s premiere, this number surged to 27 million. By the end of the first anime season, it had surpassed 33 million copies. The series continued to gain momentum and reached 38 million copies in circulation by September 2024.
Synopsis:
A young and curious pharmacist named Maomao, who works in a vibrant redlight district, has her life turned upside down when she is abducted and sold into the secretive world of the imperial palace. Drawn into a dangerous conspiracy, Maomao finds herself surrounded by intriguing characters, including the elegant concubine Gyokuyou and the enigmatic eunuch Jinshi. As she navigates the treacherous waters of palace intrigue, Maomao’s keen mind and knowledge of medicine become invaluable assets in solving a series of perplexing mysteries. This thrilling tale explores the intricate interplay between life and death, medicine and poison.