The Apothecary Diaries’ Official Theme Park Collab Set to Return in 2027
Image by James RichardsonThe Apothecary Diaries is officially returning to Universal Studios Japan in 2027 with a completely new immersive experience connected directly to the anime’s upcoming theatrical movie.
Running as part of Universal Cool Japan 2027, the collaboration will take place from February 10 through June 30 and marks the second time that Maomao and Jinshi have taken over the Osaka theme park following their original appearance in 2025.
This time, Universal Studios Japan is replacing the previous mystery-solving attraction with a new program set around a water city, where characters including Maomao and Jinshi will appear before guests as though they have stepped directly out of the anime.
The new experience will connect with “The Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress’ Treasure,” the franchise’s first theatrical movie, which opens in Japanese cinemas on December 11, 2026.
Based on the light novel series by Natsu Hyūga, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a young woman raised by an apothecary whose extensive knowledge of medicines and poisons repeatedly draws her into mysteries surrounding the imperial court.
Her abilities eventually attract the attention of palace official Jinshi, beginning a relationship that has become central to a story combining mystery, political intrigue and the often dangerous inner workings of the Rear Palace.
The wider franchise has now surpassed 57 million copies worldwide across its various editions, with the television anime helping Maomao and Jinshi reach an increasingly large international audience since its debut in 2023.
Its third anime season also began on October 2, 2026, continuing Maomao and Jinshi’s story ahead of the December movie and the new Universal Studios Japan collaboration early next year.
The upcoming film features a completely original story developed from a concept by Natsu Hyūga, with Maomao and Jinshi leaving the familiar surroundings of the imperial court as another mystery begins to unfold.
Universal Studios Japan’s first collaboration with The Apothecary Diaries launched in July 2025 and centered on “The Apothecary Diaries Mystery Walk: Investigate the Mysterious Medicine,” an interactive attraction that asked visitors to help Maomao investigate a mysterious supposed miracle drug.
That experience eventually led guests to Maomao and Jinshi themselves, with live character greetings and a conversational performance allowing visitors to see the pair up close before receiving a special bookmark from Jinshi.
The wider 2025 collaboration also extended beyond the Mystery Walk with exclusive merchandise and themed food, turning The Apothecary Diaries into one of the major anime properties included during Universal Cool Japan’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
Instead of repeating that format, the 2027 collaboration will build its central experience around the setting and story of the upcoming movie, giving visitors a new reason to return even if they took part in the original Mystery Walk.
The Apothecary Diaries is the second major property confirmed for Universal Cool Japan 2027, joining Sailor Moon, which will have its own limited-time collaboration running from December 2, 2026 through April 5, 2027.
Universal Studios Japan has confirmed that further collaborations will be announced for Universal Cool Japan 2027, continuing the annual event’s focus on transforming Japanese anime, manga, games and other entertainment properties into physical theme park experiences.
Full details about Universal Studios Japan’s new The Apothecary Diaries collab, which will run from February 10 through June 30, 2027, including the exact format of the new attraction, merchandise and any themed food offerings, have yet to be revealed and will be announced closer to its February launch.
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