Crunchyroll’s The Apothecary Diaries is about to have its biggest year yet, and the anime’s producer wants you to know exactly what that means. The series, which follows the rapturously curious apothecary Maomao and the enigmatic imperial official Jinshi, premiered in 2023 and has become one of the platform’s most popular shows. Now, season 3 arrives with a theatrical movie sandwiched between two TV cours, and the man behind it is discussing the upcoming season.
Takao Iwata Talks Season 3
Takao Iwata, the production committee producer, spoke with Polygon about the upcoming season. He confirmed that season 3 premieres on Oct. 3 with 12 episodes airing weekly. Then comes an original theatrical film in December, followed by the second cour of season 3 in April 2027.
The movie is a big deal. It is directed by Norihiro Naganuma, who directed season 1, while season 3 is directed by Akinori Fudesaka, who did season 2. The film’s story is completely original, written by The Apothecary Diaries creator Hyūganatsu-sensei. It fits into the series’ official canon.
Iwata described the movie as “a story no one has seen before.” He added, “it will now be brought to life on screen for the first time.”
From Palace to Western Capital
The show’s third season moves the action beyond the imperial palace and the pleasure district. Maomao travels to the Western Capital, where she becomes entangled in a new series of events involving a locust plague and a mysterious “immortal maiden.” The shift brings a fresh visual atmosphere, with changes to Maomao’s main outfits and her accompanying characters.
Iwata said audiences will notice differences in the visuals and the musical score. He noted that the promotional efforts, led by publicity producer Yagi, have emphasized the series is entering a new chapter.
The story’s scope has grown steadily since the show started. It began with individual mysteries involving medicine and poison inside the rear palace, then expanded to threats against the imperial family and the political future of the country. Season 3 continues that expansion.
Maomao and Jinshi’s Evolving Dynamic
Maomao and Jinshi’s relationship has been the heart of the series. By the end of season 2, Maomao understood considerably more about Jinshi’s true position, while Jinshi became more direct about his feelings for her. Their dynamic in season 3 will continue to evolve, though Iwata did not give spoilers.
“In season 3, Maomao returns to the pleasure district, while Jinshi carries out his duties as the emperor’s younger brother,” Iwata said. “The story begins with both of them in different positions than in the previous seasons, but its core remains unchanged, with Maomao and Jinshi still at the center.”
Balancing Comedy, Romance and Political Drama
The series has always moved between comedy, romance, mystery and dangerous political drama within a single episode. Iwata said the key is respecting the original material by Hyūganatsu-sensei, the author. Hyūganatsu-sensei takes part in script meetings and voice recording sessions, and the publisher Imagica Infos also supports the adaptation.
“We’re very fortunate to have the support and cooperation of Hyūganatsu-sensei, the original author, as well as Imagica Infos, the publisher of the novels,” Iwata said. “Even when we add scenes that aren’t in the original material, we incorporate ideas from Hyūganatsu-sensei into the scripts.”
The Unusual Structure
The dual-cour format with a movie in between is part of the season’s plan. Iwata sees it as a creative opportunity. The film is directed by Norihiro Naganuma, who also directed season 1, while season 3 is directed by Akinori Fudesaka, who directed season 2. Both productions are being made with the established style and tone of The Apothecary Diaries in mind.
“The film will also feature a completely original story written by Hyūganatsu-sensei, the author of the original novels,” Iwata said. “Chronologically, it takes place between seasons 2 and 3 and will be part of the series’ official canon.”
A Producer’s Promise
Iwata closed his discussion by returning to the film’s promise. “This is a story no one has seen before, and it will now be brought to life on screen for the first time,” he said.
He also framed the year ahead as the biggest yet for the anime. “With the television series and theatrical film connected to one another, 2026-2027 will mark the biggest year yet for The Apothecary Diaries anime.”
The producer’s enthusiasm is clear. His repeated promises to “look forward to” everything read like a man who knows exactly what he is talking about.
Comparing the Cours
| Part | Format | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| First cour of season 3 | 12 episodes | Weekly, starting Oct. 3 |
| Theatrical film | Feature-length | December |
| Second cour of season 3 | Remaining episodes | April 2027 |
The year runs from October through April, with the movie splitting the middle. The structure allows for a bigger story across all three parts.
The Apothecary Diaries has become one of Crunchyroll’s most popular series since its premiere in 2023. That popularity is what drives the current production plans, according to Iwata.
“On the creative side, we have a solid production team in place, with director Akinori Fudesaka continuing in his role from season 2 and OLM handling the animation production,” Iwata said. “Season 3 will continue to deliver everything audiences have enjoyed about The Apothecary Diaries, including its beautiful background art and distinctive world, the relationships between its characters, and its mystery elements.”
The show’s core identity stays intact. The world expands, the stakes grow, and the central couple keeps evolving.
The immortal maiden and the locust plague sound delightful. We will see what happens when they hit the screen.
Source material: “Crunchyroll’s Detective Series With a 93% RT Score Is About to Have Its ‘Biggest Year Yet’,” Polygon.
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