The much-awaited second season of The Apothecary Diaries is set to premiere next year. Over the years, Japanese animation has created a wide range of romantic stories, from funny and light-hearted to deep and emotional. Only a few anime series in recent memory have had quite the same impact as 2023’s The Apothecary Diaries.

Some romance anime are emotional dramas filled with tears and angst, while others are lighthearted rom-coms that show fans how enjoyable love can be. The Apothecary Diaries is a mystery historical series about a young apothecary girl named Maomao.

Jinshi and Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries. [Credit: Toho Animation]

With Season 2 announced, The Apothecary Diaries fandom is thrilled, eagerly awaiting the blend of romance and medical mysteries. Amid the excitement for the upcoming sequel, the anime’s dark narrative is often overshadowed by the adorable moments between Maomao and Jinshi.

The Apothecaries Diaries‘ dark themes are often overlooked by fans

The Apothecary Diaries, written by Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino, is a Japanese light novel series. It began serialization in Shosetsuka ni Naro in 2011 and was later acquired by Shufunotomo. The anime steals the spotlight with its unique story and characters.

Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries’ Cat Day Special. [Credit: Toho]

The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao in a fictional country based on Imperial China. She gets kidnapped from her job as an apothecary in the red-light district and sold as an indentured servant to the Imperial Palace.

If unfamiliar, themes like slavery and human trafficking make it appear dark, but they don’t capture the full depth of the story.

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The chemistry between Maomao and Jinshi eventually becomes one of the driving elements in the story. While Maomao and Jinshi’s romance plays a central role, fans often overlook the darker themes woven into the story.

The contract system for courtesans in The Apothecary Diaries exposes the dark past, revealing how women were sold into these roles akin to slavery. The two suicide cases mentioned in episode 8 are emotionally scarring, underscoring the extreme struggles faced by women who were trapped in such contracts.

Jinshi kisses Maomao’s neck in episode 2 [Credit: Toho Animation]

The anime’s portrayal of tragic incidents highlights the harsh reality of women’s lives—forced into relationships without consent and lacking hope for escape. These themes remind us of the injustices faced by women in history and the strength needed to break free from oppressive systems.

‘The Apothecary Diaries’ Season 2 releases January 10thpic.twitter.com/jWVz5zvbC3— Anime Craze (@crazedanime_) December 10, 2024

The Apothecary Diaries has set itself apart from other popular shojo titles with one key element that makes it truly unique in the genre. Maomao is undoubtedly the highlight of the show, captivating fans with her adorable charm.

Norihiro Naganuma offers insight into Maomao Character

As the series progresses, more of Maomao’s intelligence is put to the test, as Jinshi places numerous conundrums before her, and more of her personality is revealed to audiences. She exhibits complex motivations, flaws, and a wide range of emotions, with some of her interests and opinions contrary to those of her peers.

Maomao at the garden party in The Apothecary Diaries. [Credit: Toho]

Interestingly, the anime director recently shared their thoughts on fan-favorite Maomao’s character, offering fans what to expect from her in Season 2. Norihiro Naganuma shared:

I think what makes the Maomao really powerful is that her strength doesn’t always come from a strength she was born with. She uses her knowledge and the experience that she’s gained over time to face all kinds of situations. Plus, she has a very strong sense of justice, and she hates losing.

The director has revealed the key element of Maomao and Jinshi’s bond in the series, which has been a hidden gem of the year. The Apothecary Diaries takes a unique approach, pushing the boundaries of the genre.

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Instead of emphasizing Maomao’s beauty, the anime focuses on showcasing her personality and strength. Additionally, Jinshi takes the spotlight as the more traditionally handsome of the couple.

Maomao hands Jinshi a blue rose in The Apothecary Diaries. [Credit: Toho Animation]

Maomao’s resourcefulness, ingenuity, and wit — especially as a female character — are celebrated and encouraged by the cast of characters around her, which helps her embody the elements of a strong female protagonist.

The Apothecary Diaries is available to stream on Crunchyroll
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