The global phenomenon The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) is officially preparing for its highly anticipated third season, slated to premiere on October 2, 2026. Ahead of the broadcast, studio OLM has released a striking second promotional video and key visual focusing on the complex responsibilities facing the royal brother, Lakan, as well as the intricate mysteries awaiting Maomao.
Based on the acclaimed light novel series written by Natsu Hyuuga and illustrated by Shino Touko, published under Imagica Infos' Hero Bunko imprint, the franchise has surpassed 57 million copies worldwide. Following the success of the previous seasons, the narrative transitions out of the inner palace and into the broader cityscapes and neighboring kingdoms, introducing fresh trials for the sharp-witted poison taster Maomao and the imperial figures surrounding her.
The New Trailer and Ending Theme
The newly unveiled second PV offers a glimpse into the impending disasters threatening the nation and the enigmatic immortal maiden drawing public attention. With Lakan reassuming his royal duties, the scale of the story broadens significantly. Adding to the emotional depth of the upcoming arc, singer-songwriter Eve has been confirmed to perform the ending theme titled "AIYOU."
Human hearts cannot be unraveled quite like mysteries, and unspoken emotions can sometimes create astronomical distances between two people standing right beside each other. I wrote 'AIYOU' while reflecting on these strange workings of the heart.
Eve, Singer-Songwriter
Mini-Anime and Broadcast Details
Fans can also rejoice as the popular mini-anime companion series, Maomao's Solo Soliloquy, returns for the third season. Featuring newly redesigned mini character art for Maomao, Lakan, Basen, and others, the shorts will break down key items from each episode every Monday on the TOHO animation YouTube channel.
The third season of The Apothecary Diaries will begin broadcasting across thirty stations nationwide in Japan on Nippon TV's "FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT" programming block starting October 2, 2026, with streaming distribution following immediately afterward.
