On September 3rd, Prime Video Japan announced the Live-Action adaptation of Natsu Hyuuga‘s The Apothecary Diaries. The dramatization based on the hit light novel series is now in production and is scheduled to stream worldwide in 2028, with Mana Ashida (Pacific Rim, Cells at Work) in the starring as Maomao.
The project is a co-production between Toho and Amazon MGM studios. Yuki Saito (Ossan’s Love returns) serves as director, with the screenplay written by Erika Yoshida (Bocchi the Rock!). The production will feature large-scale sets alongside work in costumes and visual effects as the two companies seek to recreate the world of The Apothecary Diaries in live action.
The teaser visual features Ashida in costume as Maomao, with the top half of her face cropped off frame as she holds a handkerchief in her hand with a playful smile on her face.
The Apothecary Diaries is set in a fictional country heavily inspired by the Tang Dynasty era in China. The series follows Maomao, the daughter of an apothecary who trained her in medicine from a young age. She lived a peaceful life until she was kidnapped and then sold into servitude within the emperor’s palace. She then catches the attention of Jinshi, a perceptive eunuch who recognizes her medical knowledge and makes her a lady-in-waiting to the emperor’s favorite consort. There she secretly uses her skills to help solve mysteries and make a name for herself within the imperial household.
