Apothecary Diaries Dominates Anime Category on Leading Japanese Streaming Platform

Article Summary

The Apothecary Diaries has achieved unexpected success in Japan, becoming a fan-favorite and leading streaming charts in 2024.
Maomao, the series’ protagonist, distinguishes herself with a refreshing authenticity that sets her apart from conventional anime characters.
The anticipated second season of The Apothecary Diaries is expected to adapt volumes 3 and 4, with a release set for January 2025, featuring a total of 24 episodes.

The Apothecary Diaries may have caught some by surprise, particularly those who focus primarily on shounen genres rather than light novels. Nonetheless, this engaging series has demonstrated its popularity, consistently ranking among the bestsellers and even topping the Oricon annual chart.

Despite varying expectations, this anime adaptation has become a standout hit in both the Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 seasons, spanning across two continuous cours. Notably, U-Next, a popular streaming service in Japan, reported that it led its anime category, outperforming other renowned series such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arc and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. This success indicates a growing appeal that may be stronger domestically than internationally.

Understanding U-Next Streaming Service

While U-Next has not released specific viewing data, its relevance in the Japanese streaming landscape is undeniable. With over 4.3 million subscribers, U-Next provides a diverse digital library that includes both video content and e-books. Despite certain geo-restrictions due to licensing, many fans find ways to access the platform. Here are the top 10 streamed anime series on U-Next this year:

The Apothecary Diaries
Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc
Freeze
Mashle: Magic and Muscles
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime – Season 3
Oshi no Ko – Season 2
Kaiju No. 8
Jujutsu Kaisen – Season 2
Delicious in Dungeon
My Hero Academia

The Intriguing Premise of The Apothecary Diaries

The series is set against a rich historical backdrop, borrowing elements from the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). Yet, it doesn’t aim for historical accuracy regarding its characters and plotlines. The narrative centers around Maomao, a skilled apothecary whose journey begins when she is kidnapped from a red-light district and sold to the Imperial Palace.

In her new life as a palace servant, Maomao initially goes unnoticed, until a wave of illnesses afflicts the imperial children and concubines. Leveraging her apothecary expertise, she uncovers the mysteries behind these ailments, leading her into a web of intrigues and conspiracies that will shape her destiny.

The upcoming second season is poised to adapt the story arcs from volumes 3 and 4, picking up from where the first season concluded. The new season will be directed by Akinori Fudesaka, marking his debut as a director, while the seasoned Norihiro Naganuma remains involved in the project as head writer. Produced by Toho Animation and OLM, the season is set to premiere on January 10, 2025, featuring 24 exciting episodes.

The Apothecary Diaries is accessible for streaming on Crunchyroll, available in both subbed and dubbed formats, ensuring a wide array of options for its eager audience.

Source: OtakuUSA Magazine

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