The promotional campaign for The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady’s Treasure (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) has accelerated with the release of four character trailers. The upcoming theatrical feature, produced independently by TOHO animation STUDIO rather than sharing production credits with OLM, is scheduled to premiere in Japanese theaters on December 11, 2026. Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment have already secured North American distribution rights for the cinematic outing.
The first video highlights series protagonists Jinshi and Maomao, voiced by Takeo Otsuka and Aoi Yuki respectively. Subsequent previews spotlight pivotal new factions, including four members of the Bi clan, the Kajadan pirates led by Suija, and court figures such as the consort Ruoqing and lady-in-waiting Yinshan.
Alongside the video showcases, the production team announced a wave of additional voice talent joining the cast. Mariya Ise steps into the role of Mu Qing, accompanied by Nobuo Tobita as Biro, Kumiko Watanabe as Shu, Hirofumi Nojima as Bisen, and Kensho Ono as the pirate leader Suija. Further cast members include Jiro Saito as Kaja, Ryota Takeuchi as Eisho, Ai Mikami as Ruoqing, and Miyuki Sawashiro as Yinshan.
Creative Staff and Original Narrative
The film adapts an original story written by franchise creator Hyuganatsu. Behind the camera, key creative members from the television adaptation return: Norihiro Naganuma directs the project, with Yuko Kakihara handling the screenplay, and Yukiko Nakatani designing the characters. The elaborate auditory and visual landscape is constructed by background art director Masakazu Miyake alongside a trio of franchise music composers comprising Satoru Kosaki, Kevin Penkin, and Alisa Okehazama.
Set against the backdrop of a bustling water city in the southern province of Binan-shu, the narrative follows Jinshi and Maomao as they investigate the remarkably preserved remains of a concubine who passed away five years prior. What begins as a mission to return her to her homeland quickly entangles them in escalating regional tensions as pirates hunt for a hidden treasure.
