The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 has revealed a new trailer and key visual, along with an October 2, 2026 premiere date. The season will lead up to an upcoming theatrical movie, which will premiere in Japan on December 11 featuring an original story by the author Natsu Hyuuga. The second cour of Season 3 is scheduled to air in April 2027.
The new trailer gives fans a first listen to the opening theme song, “Kumo wo Nuke Kazashimo e Watashi Dake” by Yorushika. Studio OLM returns to handle the animation production, while TOHO animation STUDIO is notably absent from the staff credits list for this new installment.
Voice actress Reina Ueda has joined the cast as Bai Niangniang, a mysterious “immortal maiden” who has recently become the subject of rumors within the palace. In addition to the main key visual, individual character visuals were released for 10 main characters, including Maomao and Jinshi.
The main staff for Season 3 includes:
- Director: Akinori Fudesaka
- Assistant Director: Wataru Nakagawa
- Series Composition: Norihiro Naganuma
- Scripts: Yuko Kakihara, Misuzu Chiba, Hitomi Ogawa
- Character Design: Yukiko Nakatani
- Art Director: Katsumi Takao
- Color Design: Misato Aida, Nanako Okazaki
- CGI Director: Tamotsu Nagai
- Director of Photography: Mayo Suzuki
- Editing: Daisuke Imai
- Sound Director: Shoji Hata
- Music: Satoru Kosaki, Kevin Penkin, Arisa Okehazama
- Animation Production: OLM
Natsu Hyuga writes The Apothecary Diaries light novel series, featuring illustrations by Toko Shino and published by Shunfunotomo. The franchise also boasts two manga adaptations—one by Itsuki Nanao and Nekokurage, and another by Minoji Kurata. J-Novel Club publishes the novels in English, while Square Enix handles the manga localization.
The story follows Maomao, a young apothecary who is sold to the Emperor’s palace as a lowly servant. Unable to keep her curiosity in check, she uses her extensive medical knowledge to secretly solve medical mysteries within the inner court, eventually catching the eye of the influential and handsome eunuch, Jinshi.
