The Apothecary Diaries (2014 light novel series by Natsu Hyuuga, English) Add a review

The Apothecary Diaries (Japanese: 薬屋のひとりごと, Hepburn: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto; lit. 'Apothecary's Soliloquy') is a Japanese light novel series written by Hyūganatsu and illustrated by Touko Shino. Since 2011, it has been serialized on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō. In 2012, Shufunotomo acquired the work, releasing it as a single-volume novel that year and then as a light novel series in 2014.

Set in a fictional country inspired by China in the Tang Dynasty, the series follows Maomao, a girl trained in medicine by her apothecary father. After being sold as a servant to the emperor's palace, she secretly uses her skills to solve mysteries and help others.

Two manga adaptations began serialization in 2017. The first is published by Square Enix in Monthly Big Gangan with art by Nekokurage, while the second is published by Shogakukan in Monthly Sunday Gene-X with art by Minoji Kurata. The light novels are licensed digitally in North America by J-Novel Club, while both the light novels and first manga adaptation are licensed in print by Square Enix. An anime television series adaptation produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM aired from October 2023 to March 2024, and a second season aired from January to July 2025. A third season is set to premiere in October 2026. An anime film is set to premiere in Japan in December 2026.