Anime fans in Asia, or at least, those in “select regions” of Asia, will be able to watch the Fall 2023 anime The Apothecary Diaries on Netflix. The new series will debut on the streaming platform on October 22.
Netflix’s announcement came around the same time as the release of a new trailer and more cast announcements for the anime, an adaptation of the Shufunotomo-published light novels written by Natsu Hyuuga and illustrated by Touko Shino.
The Apothecary Diaries will premiere with its first three episodes. Norihiro Naganuma (The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 1) is serving as director and series composer of the mystery anime with Akinori Fudesaka (Summer Time Rendering and Komi Can’t Communicate storyboarder) as assistant director and Yukiko Nakatani (Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure) as character designer. TOHO animation STUDIO and OLM are credited with the animation production.
Aoi Yuuki is voicing the heroine Maomao while Takeo Ootsuka is voicing the eunuch Jinshi.
J-Novel Club describes the books as:
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?
Source: Netflix Anime YouTube channel
