The highly anticipated anime film, The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady's Treasure, is gearing up for its release, and fans are buzzing with excitement over the latest casting announcements. TOHO animation recently dropped a character promotional video, unveiling the voice talents behind two pivotal new characters: Ruoqing and Yinshan. This film promises a brand-new narrative crafted by original author Hyuganatsu, taking our beloved Maomao and Jinshi on an thrilling adventure.
Star-Studded Additions to the Cast
The promotional video confirmed that veteran voice actress Miyuki Sawashiro will lend her distinctive voice to Ruoqing. Ruoqing is introduced as a middle-level courtesan who passed away five years prior in the Emperor's inner palace. Her poignant dying wish was for her remains to be returned to her homeland a half-decade after her death, a wish that forms the very core of the film's quest. Sawashiro's extensive career and ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance make her an ideal choice for a character central to the story's mystery.
Joining Sawashiro is Ai Mikami, who will voice Yinshan. Yinshan served as Ruoqing's former lady-in-waiting and now works as an attendant to Mu Qing, a key character, and a general servant of the influential Bi clan. Mikami's portrayal will undoubtedly bring Yinshan's loyalty and potential hidden insights to life, making her a crucial figure in Maomao and Jinshi's journey.
The Late Lady's Treasure: A New Adventure
This upcoming film offers an entirely new story directly from Hyuganatsu, the original novel series author. The plot follows Maomao and Jinshi as they embark on a significant mission: to transport the remains of Ruoqing back to her homeland, fulfilling her final wish. This journey takes them far from the familiar confines of the imperial harem, leading them to unexpected encounters. Their path will cross with formidable pirates, lead them to uncover hidden treasures, reveal the secret of the Empress's remains, and introduce them to a mysterious boy who holds a vital key to the unfolding narrative.
Further expanding the cast, Mariya Ise joins as Mu Qing, a son of the Bi clan. Nobuo Tobita takes on the role of Birō, the Bi clan head, with Kumiko Watanabe as his wife, Shūu. Hirofumi Nojima plays Bisen, the Bi clan's eldest son. The dangerous Kajadan river pirates also get their voice actors, with Kenshō Ono as leader Suija, Ryōta Takeuchi as his subordinate Eishō, and Jirō Saitō as the late former Kajadan leader, Kaja.
Global Release and Streaming
Japanese audiences can mark their calendars for December 11, when The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady's Treasure opens in theaters across the country. For international fans, Crunchyroll has secured the North American and worldwide streaming rights, excluding Asia but including India. Crunchyroll, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment, will announce the global release date in due course, ensuring fans worldwide can experience this new adventure.
For those looking to catch up on the anime series, the third television anime season premiered on October 2, airing in the 'Friday Anime Night' block. Its second cours is slated for April 2027. The first season, which debuted in October 2023, and the second season, which premiered in January 2025, both aired for two consecutive cours. Crunchyroll has been streaming all seasons, complete with English dubs, allowing new viewers to delve into Maomao's world and existing fans to revisit her initial mysteries.
Dive Deeper into The Apothecary Diaries Universe
At its heart, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, an unassuming girl with an extraordinary mind for medicine, kidnapped and sold into service in the Emperor's sprawling rear palace. Her secret intellect and sharp observations are discovered by Jinshi, the perceptive head eunuch, who elevates her to become a lady-in-waiting tasked with tasting the Emperor's favorite consort's food for poison. This intriguing premise has captivated readers and viewers alike.
The series originated as a web novel by Hyuganatsu in October 2011, later published in print with illustrations by Touko Shino. Multiple manga adaptations, including one by Nekokurage and another by Minoji Kurata, further expanded its reach. With its rich storytelling, compelling characters, and now a brand-new film, The Apothecary Diaries continues to be a standout in the anime and light novel landscape.
The addition of Miyuki Sawashiro and Ai Mikami to the cast only heightens the anticipation for The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady's Treasure. Prepare to join Maomao and Jinshi on their most exciting and mysterious journey yet!
