The Apothecary Diaries Movie Reveals First Trailer and Key Visual as December Premiere Confirmed

The Apothecary Diaries has unveiled the first trailer for its upcoming anime movie, giving fans their first look at the new adventure while confirming its official title, additional cast member and theatrical release date.

Officially titled “The Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress’ Treasure,” the film will introduce an original story written by light novel creator Natsu Hyūga, making it a completely new chapter for the franchise.

Returning protagonists Maomao and Jinshi once again take center stage, with Aoi Yūki reprising her role as Maomao and Takeo Ōtsuka returning as Jinshi.

Joining the cast is Mariya Ise, who has been announced as the voice of the new character Mu Qing, although the official English romanization of the character’s name has not yet been confirmed.

The story follows Maomao and Jinshi as they journey to the hometown of a concubine who died five years earlier within the imperial harem in order to return her remains to her homeland.

What begins as a solemn mission quickly develops into a far greater mystery as the pair encounter pirates, hidden treasure, secrets surrounding the deceased Empress and a mysterious young boy whose knowledge becomes central to uncovering the truth.

The new movie expands upon the richly detailed world that has helped establish The Apothecary Diaries as one of the most acclaimed anime adaptations of recent years.

Based on the light novel series by Natsu Hyūga with illustrations by Touko Shino, the franchise first began as a web novel published on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website in October 2011 before receiving a print release from Shufunotomo in August 2014.

The series later inspired an ongoing manga adaptation illustrated by Nekokurage, which began serialization in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine in May 2017, while both the novels and manga are published in English by Square Enix Manga & Books, with J-Novel Club also distributing the novels digitally.

The story centers on Maomao, a highly intelligent young woman raised by an apothecary whose extensive medical knowledge draws the attention of the perceptive palace official Jinshi after she is sold into service within the imperial rear palace.

Her sharp observational skills and expertise with poisons gradually earn her an important position within the imperial court as she solves increasingly dangerous mysteries hidden behind palace walls.

The anime adaptation premiered in October 2023 with a special three-episode launch before running for two consecutive cours, while the second season debuted in January 2025 and also aired across two consecutive cours.

The franchise’s future will continue beyond the movie, with the third television anime season scheduled to begin its first cour in October 2026 before returning for its second cour in April 2027.

The Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress’ Treasure will open in Japanese theaters on December 11, 2026 and the trailer is now available to watch on YouTube: