It’s official! After the huge success from Season 2, The Apothecary Diaries will return with Season 3 and its first-ever theatrical film adaptation, as revealed on October 22, 2025, during the anime’s 2nd anniversary PV release.
The announcement came with a striking new teaser visual featuring Maomao’s sharp, determined gaze — and the tagline, “The flicker in her eyes is the finest mystery.”
Season 3 Details
The third season will air in two split cours — the first in October 2026 and the second in April 2027. The story will step outside the palace, diving deeper into the political and supernatural chaos of the empire. Maomao and Jinshi will face new conspiracies, a mysterious shrine maiden, and a looming national disaster.
Directed by Akinori Hibisaka, Season 3 continues under TOHO Animation Studio with the same rich blend of historical mystery and character depth that made the series beloved worldwide.
Theatrical Movie Details
The Apothecary Diaries Movie hits theaters in December 2026, featuring an original story written by the series’ creator, Natsu Hyuuga. The movie will be directed by Norihiro Naganuma, who also handled the direction and series composition for Seasons 1 and 2.
Fans can expect a completely fresh mystery centered around Maomao’s sharp wit and the hidden politics of the imperial court — a perfect big-screen treat for loyal fans.
Anniversary PV & Global Screenings
The 2nd Anniversary PV revisited key emotional moments from Seasons 1 and 2 — including the beloved OP themes “Becoming a Flower” and “Kusushiki” — before unveiling the new announcements.
To celebrate, a retrospective theatrical screening of the series will run across five major Japanese cities from February to May 2026, covering six episodes every two weeks.
Special stage greetings featuring Aoi Yuki (Maomao) and Takeo Otsuka (Jinshi) will also take place, alongside live dubbing and new reading plays.
Exhibition & Global Tour
The Apothecary Diaries Exhibition, first launched in Tokyo, will now tour across Asia — starting with Hong Kong in November, followed by mainland China, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. A limited exhibition visual has been released exclusively for the Asian leg, promising expanded displays and new interactive experiences.
In case you missed it — The Apothecary Diaries recently announced its upcoming game adaptation, which allows fans to experience Maomao’s investigative brilliance firsthand. With the anime now expanding to Season 3 and the big screen, this game will further immerse players into the series’ world of mystery, medicine, and courtly secrets.
The Apothecary Diaries: Synopsis (for new fans)
Set in the imperial palace of ancient China-inspired fantasy, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a sharp-minded apothecary kidnapped to serve as a servant in the rear palace. Using her deep knowledge of herbs and poisons, she unravels secrets that intertwine politics, mystery, and human emotion — all while catching the eye of the enigmatic court official, Jinshi.
The Apothecary Diaries: Season 2 has 24 episodes.
Closing Thoughts?
It’s an exciting time to be a Kusuriya no Hitorigoto fan — with a third season, a theatrical movie, and even a global exhibition, the series continues to grow beyond expectations. Honestly, I can’t wait and let me know your thoughts on this upcoming season in the comments section.
Stay tuned for more updates as Maomao’s story unfolds on both the small and big screens.
Source: Anime! Anime!
Related Articles:
- The Apothecary Diaries First-Ever Browser Game Announced
- The Apothecary Diaries Season 2: Overview | Where to Watch
- Fall 2025 Anime Guide: 15 Shows Every Otaku Needs on Their Watchlist
- 10 Romance Anime Where the Girl Confesses First
- Nana Manga Finally Returning After 15 Years – Ai Yazawa Confirms Ending
- 20 Best Romance Anime with Happy Endings – No Sad Goodbyes, Just Love
Leave a Comment